LIBRARY 

UNIV.  CALIFORNIA 

DAVIS 


REPORTS 


FISHES,  REPTILES  AND  BIRDS 


MASSACHUSETTS 


PUBLISHED   AGREEABLY  TO   AN   ORDER   OF 
THE    LEGISLATURE, 

BY  THE  COMMISSIONERS  ON  THE  ZOOLOGICAL  AND  BOTANICAL 

SURVEY    OP  THE   STATE. 


iioston: 

DUTTON  AND  WENTWORTH,  STATE  PRINTERS, 


1839, 

-  LIBRARY 

8NIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
DAVIS 


INTRODUCTION. 


ON  the  3d  of  March,  1830,  a  resolve  passed  the 
Legislature  of  Massachusetts,  authorizing  a  general 
Trigonometrical  Survey  of  the  Commonwealth.  This 
was  followed,  on  the  5th  of  June  of  the  same  year,  by  a 
Resolve,  introduced  at  the  suggestion  of  Governor  Lin- 
coln, authorizing  him  to  appoint  a  "  suitable  person  to 
make  a  Geological  Examination  of  the  Commonwealth, 
in  connexion  with  the  General  Survey." 

Under  this  Resolve  Prof.  Hitchcock  was  appointed, 
and  the  manner  in  which  he  accomplished  its  objects  is 
shown  by  his  admirable  Report,  published  in  1833. 

In  conformity  with  a  Resolve  of  the  Legislature,  of 
February  2d,  1831,  he  was  directed  "  to  cause  to  be 
annexed  to  his  report,  a  list  of  the  native  Mineralogical, 
Botanical  and  Zoological  productions  of  the  Common- 
wealth, so  far  as  it  may  be  practicable  to  ascertain  the 
same,  within  the  limits  of  the  appropriation  already 
made." 

In  the  execution  of  this  part  of  the  commission,  he 
received  and  acknowledged  the  "  assistance  of  several 
gentlemen  distinguished  for  their  acquaintance  with 
particular  branches  of  natural  history."  The  catalogues 
which  were  formed,  were,  in  almost  every  instance,  the 
first  complete  catalogues  of  the  productions  of  the  State, 
which  had  been  attempted.  In  Botany,  very  full  ac- 


iv  INTRODUCTION. 

counts  had  previously  been  given  of  the  plants  of  par- 
ticular districts  ;  of  the  plants  about  Boston,  by  Dr. 
Bigelow  ;  of  those  in  the  vicinity  of  Amherst,  by  Prof. 
Hitchcock  ;  of  the  plants  of  Berkshire,  by  Prof.  Dewey. 
In  Ornithology,  very  much  had  been  done  by  Audu- 
bon,  Wilson  and  Bonaparte,  and  still  later  by  Nuttall. 
The  catalogues  in  these  departments  are  consequently 
vastly  the  most  full  and  satisfactory.  Many  of  the 
shells  had  been  described  by  Say,  and  of  the  quadrupeds 
by  Godman  and  others.  But  in  most  of  the  depart- 
ments scarcely  any  thing  had  been  done  towards  the  for- 
mation of  a  complete  list. 

It  was  an  important  step  to  collect  together  and  pub- 
lish the  catalogues,  such  as  they  were.  Although,  as 
Prof.  Hitchcock  had  anticipated,  they  were  far  from 
being  perfect  or  complete,  they  led  immediately  to  in- 
quiries amongst  the  naturalists  in  various  parts  of  the 
State.  And  many  names  were  soon  added  to  the  cata- 
logue by  members  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural 
History,  and  by  others. 

A  view  of  these  facts,  and  of  the  great  importance  of 
a  full  acquaintance  with  the  natural  productions,  of  all 
kinds,  of  our  State,  led  to  the  desire,  on  the  part  of 
many  intelligent  citizens,  that  a  more  full  survey  should 
be  attempted.  Agreeably  therefore  to  the  suggestion 
of  Governor  Everett,  on  the  immediate  occasion  of  a 
letter  from  Professor  Hitchcock  to  him,  recommending 
that  the  geological  survey  should  be  prosecuted,  and  a 
more  full  botanical  and  zoological  survey  be  made,  the 
subject  was  called  up  in  the  House  of  Representatives, 
and  a  very  respectable  committee  appointed,  to  take  it 
into  consideration.  This  committee,  after  conferring 


INTRODUCTION.  V 

with  a  committee  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  His- 
tory, reported  in  favor  of  a  more  full  survey,  and  a  re- 
solve to  the  following  effect  was  adopted  : 

"  Resolved,  That  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  with 
the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Council,  is  hereby  author- 
ized and  requested  to  appoint  some  suitable  person,  or 
persons,  to  make  a  further  and  thorough  Geological, 
Mineralogical,  Botanical  and  Zoological  Survey  of  this 
Commonwealth,  under  his  direction,  particularly  in  ref- 
erence to  the  discovery  of  Coal,  Marl,  and  Ores,  and  an 
analysis  of  the  various  soils  of  the  State,  relative  to  an 
Agricultural  benefit.  And  he  is  hereby  authorized  to 
draw  his  warrant,  from  time  to  time,  upon  the  treasurer 
of  this  Commonwealth,  for  any  sum  not  exceeding  two 
thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  for  the  foregoing  purpo- 
ses. Approved  12th  April,  1837." 

For  the  execution  of  this  Resolve,  Prof.  Hitchcock  of 
Amherst,  was  appointed  by  Gov.  Everett,  to  continue 
the  Mineralogical  and  Geological  Survey  ;  and  Geo.  B. 
Emerson  of  Boston,  President  of  the  Boston  Society  of 
Natural  History,  Chester  Dewey,  Professor  of  Botany, 
Materia  Medica,  &LC.  in  the  Berkshire  Medical  Institu- 
tion, Ebenezer  Emmons,  M,  D.,  Prof,  of  Natural  His- 
tory, &c.  Williams  College,  Rev.  Wm.  B.  0.  Peabodv 
of  Springfield,  T.  W.  Harris,  M.  D.,  Librarian  in 
Harvard  University,  D.  H.  Storer,  M.  D.,  and  A.  A. 
Gould,  M.  D.  of  Boston,  Curators  in  the  Boston  So- 
ciety of  Natural  History,  were  commissioned  to  take 
charge  of  the  Botanical  and  Zoological  Survey. 

In  the  letter  of  Governor  Everett,  accompanying  the 
commission  for  the  latter  survey,  the  chairman  was  in- 
structed to  confer  with  the  other  gentlemen  on  the 
commission,  that  separate  portions  of  the  work  might 


Vi  INTRODUCTION. 

be  distributed,  by  mutual  agreement,  according  to  the 
preference  of  the  individuals  associated  in  the  Survey. 

A  hope  was  expressed  that,  inasmuch  as  many  por- 
tions of  the  Natural  History  of  the  Commonwealth  had 
already  been  so  well  explored,  the  Survey  might  be 
completed  within  one  year..  And  the  following  instruc- 
tions were  given,  explanatory  of  the  view  taken  by  the 
Executive,  of  the  precise  object  of  the  Survey. 

"  It  is  presumed  to  have  been  a  leading  object  of  the 
Legislature,  in  authorizing  the  Survey,  to  promote  the 
agricultural  benefit  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  you  will 
keep  carefully  in  view  the  economical  relations  of  every 
subject  of  your  inquiry.  By  this,  however,  it  is  not  in- 
tended, that  scientific  order,  method,  or  comprehension 
should  be  departed  from.  At  the  same  time,  that  which 
is  practically  useful  will  receive  a  proportionally  greater 
share  of  attention,  than  that  which  is  merely  curious  ; 
the  promotion  of  comfort  and  happiness  being  the  great 
human  end  of  all  science." 

The  commission  for  this  part  of  the  Survey  bore  the 
date  of  June  10,  1837.  As  soon  after  this  as  it  could 
conveniently  be  accomplished,  an  arrangement  was 
agreed  upon,  by  which  Prof.  Emmons  undertook  to  re- 
port upon  the  Mammalia,  Dr.  Storer  upon  the  Fishes 
and  Reptiles,  Mr.  Peabody  upon  the  Birds,  Dr.  Harris 
upon  Insects  and  Araneides,  Dr.  Gould  upon  the  Mol- 
lusca,  Crustacea  and  Radiata,  Prof.  Dewey  upon  the 
Herbaceous  Plants,  and  Mr.  Emerson  upon  the  Trees 
and  other  Ligneous  Plants. 

Agreeably  to  a  plan  proposed  by  the  Chairman,  and 
cordially  assented  to  by  every  member  of  the  Commis- 
sion, it  was  agreed  that,  instead  of  confining  themselves 
to  completing  the  catalogue  of  the  objects  in  the  seve- 


INTRODUCTION. 


ral  departments,  each  commissioner  should  endeavor, 
as  far  as  possible,  to  study  and  describe  every  new  ob- 
ject which  should  present  itself  in  his  own  department, 
and  where  the  descriptions  already  given  were  incom- 
plete, or  unsatisfactory,  or  contained  in  books  not  of 
easy  access  to  the  public,  to  re-describe,  or  make  addi- 
tions or  changes,  such  as  should  seem  best. 

It  was  immediately  seen  that  no  final  reports,  that 
would  be  satisfactory,  in  this  view  of  the  work,  could  be 
made  within  the  limits  of  a  single  year.  Partial  reports 
were  therefore  made  by  the  five  Commissioners  on  the 
Zoological  departments,  which,  with  a  letter  from  the 
Chairman,  were  ordered  to  be  printed  ;  and  leave  was 
asked  and  obtained,  by  all  the  Commissioners,  to  defer 
their  reports  for  another  year. 

The  Legislature,  with  that  liberality  which  had  given 
rise  to  the  original  Survey,  and  which  is  the  best  and 
most  lasting  distinction  of  enlightened  governments, 
ordered  the  Survey  to  be  continued,  and  appropriated 
to  it  such  a  sum  as  was  thought  sufficient  to  carry  it 
into  effect. 

It  is  a  gratifying  reflection  to  the  sons  of  Massachusetts, 
that  this  liberality  has,  from  the  beginning  of  its  his- 
tory been  its  distinguishing  characteristic.  In  those 
early  days,  when,  as  a  feeble  colony,  it  was  struggling 
for  existence,  it  made  what,  considering  its  means,  were 
magnificent  appropriations  for  the  education  of  its  chil- 
dren ;  for  the  developement  of  its  intellectual  resour- 
ces. And,  at  every  period,  acting  in  the  same  spirit, 
it  has  made  its  schools  and  colleges,  prominent  and  fa- 
vored objects  of  legislative  patronage. 

It  is  but  recently  that  the  physical  resources  of  a 
country  have,  any  where,  been  an  object  towards  which 


INTRODUCTION. 

the  attention  of  its  government  has  been  directly  turned. 
In  most  of  even  the  farthest  advanced  of  the  monarchies 
of  the  old  world,  the  earth  and  its  mineral  treasures, 
and  the  animal  and  vegetable  productions  of  its  surface, 
and  of  the  sea,  have  been  left  to  the  unfostered  atten- 
tion, or  to  the  unrebuked  neglect  of  private  intelligence 
or  ignorance.  In  a  few  favored  spots,  a  different  and 
wiser  course  has  been  pursued.  In  France,  in  some 
of  the  northern  kingdoms,  in  several  states  of  Germany, 
and  especially  in  Great  Britain,  large  sums  have  been 
expended,  and  already  very  much  has  been  done,  to 
ascertain  and  bring  to  notice  the  advantages  and  wants, 
the  peculiarities  of  every  kind,  of  the  land  and  sea,  and 
their  productions.  And  the  resources  developed  have 
uniformly  seemed  to  increase  in  proportion  to  the  ex- 
tent and  minuteness  of  the  investigation.  New  objects 
have  been  presented  to  the  industry,  and  new  sources 
of  wealth  opened  to  the  enterprise  of  the  inhabitants. 
So  that,  if  we  look  through  the  world,  we  find  that  it  is 
not  those  countries  whose  natural  resources  are  appa- 
rently greatest,  which  support  the  most  wealthy  and 
advanced  population,  but  those  in  which  the  natural  re- 
sources, whatever  they  may  be,  have  been  explored, 
and  laid  open  to  the  greatest  extenL 

It  need  not  be  repeated,  that  this  truth,  of  such  ac- 
knowledged importance  under  all  governments,  is  of 
still  more  weighty  consideration  in  a  republican  country 
than  in  any  other.  In  free  states  like  Massachusetts,  as 
every  where  else,  and  still  more  than  any  where  else, 
the  fountains  of  the  wealth  and  advancement  of  the  peo- 
ple lie  in  their  intelligence,  skill,  and  industry,  applied 
to  the  resources  of  the  country.  In  them,  therefore, 
every  possible  resource  for  their  present  and  prospec- 


INTRODUCTION.  JX 

live  welfare,  should  be  laid  open.  And  the  facts  pre- 
sented by  a  full  survey  of  the  natural  productions  of 
the  State,  can  hardly  fail  to  bring  direct  advantages, 
for  the  present  and  for  the  future. 

The  survey  of  the  forests  of  Massachusetts,  making 
known  to  the  whole  community  the  important  fact  that 
a  greater  variety  of  valuable  trees  is  to  be  found  within 
its  limits  than  are  known  as  native  in  the  whole  of 
Europe  ;  that  it  is  wastefully  and  wantonly  destroying  a 
forest,  which  any  enlightened  country  in  Europe  would 
willingly  bestow  a  treasure  to  create  ;  that  its  climate 
and  soil  are  well  suited  to  many  of  the  most  valuable  trees 
of  other  temperate  countries,  and  that  already  there 
are  thousands  of  acres  lying  barren  and  unimproved, 
which  might  easily  be  clad  with  a  flourishing  growth 
of  trees,  cannot  but  excite  the  attention  of  some  of 
those  who  have  it  in  their  power  to  arrest  this  evil  and 
to  avail  themselves  of  these  truths. 

The  survey  of  the  shrubs,  and  herbaceous  and  other 
plants,  may,  in  like  manner,  be  of  great  use,  by  showing 
that  there  exist  materials  for  improvements  in  agriculture, 
and  for  use  in  many  of  the  arts  and  in  medicine,  which 
might  be  substituted  for  others  now  imported  from  abroad. 
If,  for  example,  it  should  appear  that  the  wild  rice,  so 
valuable  to  the  native  indians  of  the  western  lakes,  and 
which,  without  being  known,  occurs  in  many  parts  of 
the  State,  is  capable  of  being  cultivated  in  intervales 
now  overflowed  and  producing  only  sedge  and  worth- 
less grasses,  and  of  being  used  as  a  substitute  for  oats 
as  fodder,  the  fact  would  not  be  lost  upon  an  agricul- 
tural community  like  ours.  So  the  statement  of  the  fact 
that  lichens  exist,  similar  to  those  which  are  much  em- 
ployed and  highly  valued  in  dying,  and  that  our  sea  walls 


X  INTRODUCTION*. 

are  covered  with  tjie  same  fuel  which  have  converted 
barren  rocks  in  Scotland  into  sources  of  immense  wealth, 
might  lead  to  important  results. 

The  great  resources  of  our  State  in  its  fisheries  are 
already  known.  It  cannot,  however,  be  without  its  use, 
even  in  an  economical  point  of  view,  at  the  moment 
when,  by  the  opening  of  new  markets,  they  are  be- 
coming still  more  valuable,  to  review  their  extent  and 
examine  the  details.  There  are  those  now  living,  who 
remember  the  time,  when,  along  a  great  portion  of 
the  New  England  coast,  the  halibut,  when  taken,  was 
thrown  away ;  and  the  use  of  the  flesh  of  the  sword- 
fish  and  skate,  is  of  recent  introduction.  Several  kinds 
of  fresh-water  fish  are  rejected  in  some  parts  of  the 
country  which  are  considered  good  eating  in  others. 

The  examination  of  the  habits  of  birds  has  led  intel- 
ligent persons  to  the  conclusion,  that  it  is  doubtful,  at 
least,  whether  a  single  one  is  found  in  Massachusetts 
which  does  not  more  good  than  harm  to  the  farmer ; 
and  has  made  it  certain  that  many,  now  looked  upon  as 
enemies,  are  friends,  of  such  importance,  that  without 
them  the  business  of  husbandry  could  not  go  on. 

How  many  groundless  fears  will  be  removed  from 
the  minds  of  anxious  parents  by  a  knowledge  of  the 
fact  that  only  a  single  venomous  serpent  is  known  to 
exist  in  Massachusetts,  and  that  one  confined  to  certain 
districts  ;  and  that  all  newts,  tortoises,  and  other  rep- 
tiles are  perfectly  harmless. 

The  examination  of  the  insects  is  held  by  all  to  be  a 
matter  of  the  greatest  moment.  There  are  multitudes 
whose  habits  are  known  so  imperfectly,  that  we  can  do 
absolutely  nothing  towards  their  extermination,  and 
which,  were  it  not  for  the  birds  and  reptiles,  would 


INTRODUCTION.  xi 

probably  increase  to  such  a  degree  as  not  only  to  ren- 
der the  labors  of  the  cultivators  wholly  unavailing, 
but  to  cut  down  and  destroy  the  native  forests.  It  is 
surely  good  policy  to  secure  the  cooperation  of  men 
of  science  against  enemies  so  formidable  and  so  irresis- 
tible. The  observations  of  Linnaeus  saved  the  timber, 
in  the  dock-yards  of  Sweden,  from  ruin.  It  is  not 
impossible  that  living  or  future  observers  may  show  us 
the  means  of  protecting  the  locust  from  the  borer  and 
the  apple  tree  from  the  canker  worm. 

The  reports  contained  in  the  present  volume  were 
presented  to  Governor  Everett,  during  the  session  of 
1838-9,  and  ordered  to  be  printed  and  distributed  by 
the  following  Resolve  of  April  9th,  1839  : 

"  Resolved ,  That  the  governor  is  hereby  authorized 
to  procure  the  publication  of  fifteen  hundred  copies  of 
the  reports  which  he  has  received,  or  may  hereafter 
receive,  under  the  resolve  of  the  twelfth  of  April,  in  the 
year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-seven,  pro- 
viding for  a  further  geological,  mineralogical,  botanical 
and  zoological  survey  of  the  Commonwealth  ;  and  to 
draw  his  warrant,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
council,  upon  the  treasurer  of  the  Commonwealth,  for 
such  sums  as  may  be  necessary  for  that  purpose. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  copies,  when  published,  be 
delivered  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth,  to  be 
distributed  in  the  following  manner  :  twelve  copies  to 
the  governor  ;  six  copies  to  the  lieutenant  governor ; 
one  copy  to  each  member  of  the  council,  senate,  and 
house  of  representatives  ;  one  copy  each  to  the  secre- 
tary, treasurer,  and  to  each  clerk  and  chaplain  of  the 
two  houses  ;  one  copy  to  the  secretary  and  one  to  each 
member  of  the  board  of  education  ;  twenty  copies  to  the 


XJi  INTRODUCTION. 

geological  surveyor,  and  ten  to  each  commissioner  ap- 
pointed under  the  resolve  of  April  12,  1837 ;  five  cop- 
ies to  be  deposited  in  the  library  of  the  State  ;  one  copy 
to  each  town  in  the  Commonwealth  ;  two  copies  each 
to  Harvard,  Amherst,  and  Williams  colleges  ;  one  copy 
each  to  the  theological  seminaries  of  Andover  and  New- 
ton ;  one  copy  to  each  incorporated  atheneum,  lyceum 
and  academy  in  the  Commonwealth ;  one  copy  to  the 
American  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences  ;  one  copy  to 
the  Antiquarian  Society  at  Worcester,  and  one  to  the 
Pilgrim  Society  at  Plymouth  ;  one  copy  to  the  Massa- 
chusetts Historical  Society,  and  to  every  other  incorpo- 
rated historical  society  in  the  Commonwealth  ;  one  copy 
to  the  State  Lunatic  Hospital  at  Worcester  ;  one  copy 
to  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History  ;  one  copy 
to  the  Essex  County  Natural  History  Society  ;  one  copy 
each  to  the  Massachusetts  and  Salem  Charitable  Me- 
chanic Associations  ;  one  copy  to  the  library  of  the 
East  India  Marine  Society,  in  Salem  ;  two  copies  to  the 
library  of  the  United  States  ;  one  copy  to  the  executive 
of  each  state  in  the  Union  ;  one  hundred  copies  to  be 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  governor,  and  the  remain- 
der to  be  subject  to  the  further  order  of  the  Legislature. 
[April  9,  1839.]  " 

G.  B.  E, 

Boston,  Aug.  13,  1839. 


CONTENTS. 


INTRODUCTION. 

JDR.   STOKER'S   REPORT   ON   THE   FISHES,  S 

L    TRUE  FISHES. 

Order    I.    Acanthopterygii,        .....  5 

Order  II.    Malacopterygii  Abdominales,            ...  82 

Order  IIL    Malacopterygii  Subrachiati,               .            *            .  120 
Order  IV.    Malacopterygii  Apodes,          »            .            .            .157 

Order  V.    Lophobranchii,           *            *            ...  162 

Order  VL    Plectognathi,  ......  169 

n.    CHONDROPTERYGII. 

Order    L    Branchiis  Liberis,       .....  178 

Order  JL    Branchiis  Fixis,          .            .           .  181 

DR.  STORER'S   REPORT   ON   THE   REPTILES,  203 

Order    I.    Chelonia,                                                        •.           .  207 
Order  IL    Sauria,            .           *            .           .           .           .219 

Order  111.    Ophidia, 221 

OrderlV.    Batrachia,       ......  235 

MR.   PEABODY'S    REPORT   ON   THE  BIRDS,  257 

Birds  of  Prey,        .......  260 

Omnivorous  Birds,                                     *            .            i            *  277 

Insectivorous  Birds,           ...            i            *            *  291 
Granivorous  or  Passerine  Birds,  .            .            .            .            .318 

Zygodactyli,  the  Woodpecker  Tribe,                   .  332 
Slender-billed  Birds,         .           .           .  *                     .           .339 

Halcyons,   ........  342 

Swallow  Tribe,      .......  343 

Pigeon  Tribe,        ..*....  350 

Gallinaceous  Birds,                                               *            .           t  352 

Wading  Birds, 357 

Lobe-Footed  Birds,           ......  375 

Web-Footed  Birds, 378 

Dr.  Storer's  Supplement  to  the  Fishes,    ....  405 
«                   "to  the  Reptiles,             .            .           .410 


REPORTS 


ICHTHYOLOGY   AND   HERPETOLOGY 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


BY    D.    HUMPHREYS    STOKER,    M.  D. 

FELLOW  OF    THE  AMERICAN   ACADEMY   OF   ARTS    AND   SCIENCES  ;    MEMBER 
OF  THE  BOSTON  SOCIETY  OF    NATURAL  HISTORY  ;    CORRESPOND- 
ING MEMBER  OF  THE  ACADEMY  OF  NATURAL  SCIENCES 
AT    PHILADELPHIA,    &C.    &C. 


To  GEORGE  B.  EMERSON,  ESQ., 

Chairman  of  the  Commissioners  for  the  Botanical  and  Zoologi- 
cal Survey  of  the  Commonwealth. 

DEAR  SIR: 

In  presenting  the  accompanying  Report  upon  the  Fishes  of  Massa- 
chusetts, I  will  offer  no  apology  for  the  manner  in  which  the  duty  has 
been  performed,  conscious  that  all  available  opportunities  have  been 
improved,  and  every  effort  has  been  made  to  render  it  worthy  the 
approbation  of  those  by  whose  suggestion  it  was  undertaken.  I  must, 
however,  be  allowed  the  privilege  of  showing  why  more  has  not  been 
done — why  a  larger  number  of  species  has  not  been  collected  and 
described — why,  in  a  word,  a  nearer  approach  has  not  been  made  to  a 
perfect  catalogue  of  our  Ichthyology.  In  June,  1837,  I  received,  with 
several  other  gentlemen,  an  appointment  as  Commissioner  to  prosecute 
the  Zoological  Survey  of  the  State.  So  trifling  were  these  tasks  con- 
sidered,— so  much  was  supposed  to  have  been  already  done  by  the 
gentlemen  who  had  furnished  the  previous  catalogues,  that  the  Com- 
missioners were  expected  to  perform  their  respective  duties  in  a  single 
season.  To  prepare  a  catalogue  of  our  Fishes  in  a  single  year,  I  felt 
was  impossible — but,  at  the  same  time,  was  willing  and  ready  to  do  all 
in  my  power  towards  the  accomplishment  of  so  desirable  an  object.  I 
at  once  commenced  my  labors,  by  writing  to  all  parts  of  the  State 
from  whence  I  could  hope  for  the  slightest  aid,  and  by  engaging  upon 
the  spot  the  services  of  intelligent  fishermen.  I  had  thus  labored  for 
months,  almost  despairing  of  accomplishing  any  thing  satisfactorily, 
when,  in  the  latter  part  of  that  year,  it  was  intimated  that  another  sea- 
son would  probably  be  allowed  the  Commissioners  for  a  continuance 
of  their  investigations.  Having  found  the  previous  catalogue,  upon 
examination,  so  exceedingly  erroneous  and  defective  that  no  reli- 
ance could  be  placed  in  it,  and  consequently  that  no  reference  could 
be  made  to  the  fishes  therein  contained,  I  at  once  determined  to  at- 
tempt the  formation  of  another,  entirely  independent  of  it.  To  make 
a  catalogue,  however,  without  at  the  same  time  furnishing  some  char- 
acters by  which  species  could  be  recognised,  would  be  presenting  a 
1 


2  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

mere  list  of  names— perfectly  useless.  I  had  then  no  alternative  left 
me  save  to  collect  and  minutely  describe  every  individual  species. 
Many  of  the  species  described  by  Mitchell,  in  his  "Fishes  of  New  York," 
and  by  Le  Sueur,  in  his  various  papers,  inhabit  our  waters ;  but  as 
the  history  of  the  former  is  contained  in  the  volume  of  a  Society's 
Transactions,  which  is  very  difficult  to  obtain — and  the  contributions 
of  the  latter  are  distributed  through  the  pages  of  scientific  journals 
equally  inaccessible  to  the  general  reader,  I  have  described  anew, 
without  regarding  the  previous  accounts,  every  species  which  has  fallen 
under  my  observation.  Since  December,  1837,  but  a  little  more  than 
a  year,  all  the  descriptions  have  been  written.  Could  I  have  known, 
at  first,  that  two  seasons  would  have  been  allowed  us  for  the  prosecu- 
tion of  our  labors,  better  specimens  might  in  many  instances  have  been 
procured  for  description — and  the  hurried  manner,  in  which  several 
of  the  descriptions  have  been  necessarily  written,  would  have  been 
avoided. 

Want  of  sufficient  time,  then,  is  my  only  excuse  for  not  having  done 
what  time  alone  could  accomplish.  Without  the  assistance  of  kind 
and  attentive  correspondents  and  friends,  I  could  have  done  literally 
nothing.  Constantly  confined  by  professional  avocations,  you  will  at 
once  perceive  that  I  have  depended  entirely  upon  others  to  collect  and 
preserve  the  materials — endeavoring  myself  only  to  distinguish,  ar- 
range and  describe  them.  To  each  and  every  individual  who  has 
aided  me,  I  have  given  credit  in  his  appropriate  place — and  I  trust, 
the  name  of  no  one,  through  inadvertence,  has  been  omitted. 

To  the  following  gentlemen  I  feel  under  peculiar  obligations : 

Thomas  Kidder,  Esq.,  of  the  General  Inspection  Office,  Boston,  for 
his  polite  attentions  in  furnishing  me  with  all  the  statistical  information 
in  his  power,  regarding  the  quantities  of  fish  inspected  in  the  State ; 

C.  R.  Vickery,  Esq.,  of  Taunton,  for  his  very  acceptable  remarks 
respecting  the  fisheries  of  Taunton  river ; 

Hiram  Hosmer,  M.  D.,  of  Watertown,  for  his  numerous  and  valuable 
facts  concerning  the  fisheries  of  Charles  river ; 

Elisha  Bartlett,  M.  D.,  of  Lowell,  for  his  interesting  account  of  the 
fisheries  of  the  Merrimack  river ; 

J.  B.  Forsyth,  M.  D.,  of  Sandwich,  for  much  useful  information 
respecting  the  fishes  taken  along  "  the  Cape ;" 

Jonathan  Johnson,  Esq.,  of  Nahant,  for  several  very  rare  species — 
and  many  useful  observations  concerning  more  common  fishes. 

To  Capt.  Nathaniel  Blanchard,  of  Lynn,  and  Leroy  M.  Yale,  M.  D., 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  3 

of  Holmes'  Hole,  I  am  most  deeply  indebted ;  to  the  former,  for  his 
constant  and  unwearied  efforts  to  serve  me  amid  the  fatigues  of  his 
arduous  profession,  during  the  entire  period  I  have  been  engaged  in 
this  survey,  and  for  many  judicious  remarks  and  valuable  details 
imparted  to  me ; — and  to  the  latter,  for  his  invaluable,  aid — for  which 
I  am  not  only  obliged  for  specimens  of  nearly  one  Jifth  of  all  the  spe- 
cies I  have  described,  and  which,  but  for  him,  J  could  not  have  pro- 
cured, but  also  for  many  specimens  of  more  common  species,  and 
much  valuable  information  respecting  them. 

My  friend  Jeffries  Wyman,  M.  D.  has  kindly  enriched  my  pages 
with  very  accurate  plates  of  the  Aspidophoroides  monopterigius,  Sygna- 
thus  Peckii,  Platessa  ferruginea,  Orthagoriscus  mola,  and  Lamna 
punctata. 

Inasmuch  as  unavoidable  errors,  of  greater  or  less  importance,  may 
be  detected  by  the  scientific  critic  in  this  report,  you  will  excuse  me, 
when  I  add,  that  in  its  preparation  I  have  been  entirely  unaided.  Not 
knowing  a  single  ichthyologist  in  New  England  to  whom,  in  cases 
of  doubt,  1  could  refer  for  advice  and  instruction,  I  have  been  com- 
pelled to  rely  wholly  upon  myself. 

The  small  number  of  new  species  here  presented  may  surprise  you. 
Disgusted  with  the  mania  so  common  among  naturalists  to  form  spe- 
cies out  of  mere  varieties,  thus  casting  confusion  upon  their  favorite 
pursuits,  and  bringing  odium  upon  themselves,  I  have  endeavored  to 
avoid  this  error — and  may  have  carried  the  feeling  so  far,  that  some  of 
the  species,  catalogued  here  as  having  been  previously  known,  may,  at 
a  future  period,  be  considered  new.  If,  in  this  respect,  I  have  erred, 
my  descriptions  will  in  themselves  correct  me. 

Throughout  the  whole  of  this  report  1  have  avoided  all  reference  to 
a  " Natural  History  of  the  Fishes  of  Massachusetts"  published  in 
Boston,  in  1833 — and  also,  to  the  "  Catalogue  of  the  Marine  and  Fresh 
water  Fishes  of  Massachusetts"  prepared  by  the  same  author,  and 
contained  in  Professor  Hitchcock'1  s  Report,  published  in  1835.  Were 
I  to  pass  these  by  in  perfect  silence,  I  might  be  accused  of  neglecting 
the  labors  of  my  predecessor.  To  prevent  such  an  imputation,  I  am 
reluctantly  compelled  to  explain.  Besides,  in  the  Catalogue  above 
referred  to,  108  species  are  registered — while  your  Commissioner  has 
been  able  to  distinguish  with  accuracy,  but  107  species.  Rev.  Leonard 
Jenyns,  in  his  "  Report  on  the  recent  progress  and  present  state  of 
Zoology"  contained  in  the  "  Fourth  Report  of  the  British  Associa- 
tion for  the  advancement  of  Science"  makes  the  following  observation, 


4  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

which  is  so  perfectly  appropriate  to  the  "  History"  and  the  "  Cata- 
logue," that  I  cannot  refrain  inserting  it  here :—"  Faulty  catalogues, 
or  even  works  of  a  more  elaborate  kind,  if  merely  compiled  from  other 
authors,  are  utterly  worthless."  The  "  Catalogue"  was  drawn  up  two 
years  after  the  "  History"  was  published— if,  therefore,  the  following 
remarks  should  show  numerous  and  glaring  errors  to  pervade  the 
former,  the  value  of  the  latter  may  from  it  be  inferred, 

The  catalogue  of  our  fishes  in  "  Hitchcock's  Survey"  purports  to 
contain  57  genera  and  108  species.  Of  these,  I  have  seen  but  33 
genera,  and  heard  of  4  more,  making  37  genera. 

Of  the  108  species  there  detailed,  I  know  of  but  29,  which  are  cor- 
rectly catalogued — and  in  several  instances  varieties  of  a  fish  are 
registered  as  species.  Thus,  the  Gadus  morrhua,  rupestris,  and  areno- 
sus,  are  three  species ;  and  the  Labrus  tautoga,  tautoga  fusca,  and 
tautoga  alia,  are  also  three  species. 

That  other  species  here  catalogued  may  not  be  yet  found  in  our 
waters,  I  will  not  pretend  to  assert ;  buty  when  we  find  here  indicated 
three  species  of  the  genus  "  Scorpaena"  which  could  not  have  been 
seen ;  and  the  "  Uranoscopus  sealer"  which  Richardson,  in  his  "  Fauna 
Bor eali- Americana"  says  has  not  been  detected  in  the  Atlantic  ocean, 
we  are  inclined  to  believe  that  many  others  there  noticed  will  never  be 
found  here. 

The  report  now  presented  contains  75  genera,  specimens  of  which 
I  have  seen.  Of  these  genera,  42  were  not  noticed  in  the  catalogue, 
of  which  I  have  spoken  above.  I  have  here  described  107  species,  78 
of  which  are  not  mentioned  in  that  paper. 

In  my  classification,  I  have  followed  the  arrangement  of  Cuvier,  as 
established  in  the  "  Regne  Animal" 

The  generic  characters  are  generally  given  in  the  language  of  Yar- 
rell. 

All  which  is  most  respectfully  submitted  by 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

D.  HUMPHREYS  STORER. 


PISHES    OF    MASSACHUSETTS 

ORDER  I. 

ACANTHOPTERYGII. 


FAMILY  I. 
PERCOIDES. 


PERCA.     Guv. 


Generic  characters.  Two  dorsal  fins,  distinct,  separated; 
the  rays  of  the  first,  spinous ;  those  of  the  second,  flexible  : 
tongue  smooth :  teeth  in  both  jaws,  in  front  of  the  vomer,  and 
on  the  palatine  bones :  preoperculum  notched  below,  serrated 
on  the  posterior  edge :  operculum  bony,  ending  in  a  flattened 
point  directed  backwards :  branchiostegous  rays  7 :  scales 
rough,  hard,  and  not  easily  detached. 

P.    flavescens.     Mitchell.      The  Common  Perch. 

Trans,  of  the  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society  of  N.  Y.  i.  421. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  ii.  p.  46. 
Richardson's  Fauna  JBoreali  Americana,  pt.  3d,  p.  1,  et  fig. 

In  the  ponds  of  many  portions  of  the  State,  this  is  quite  a 
common  species,  and  in  the  spring  and  autumn  is  not  unfre- 
quently  met  with  in  the  markets.  Specimens  are  seldom 
taken  more  than  12  or  15  inches  in  length. 

This  beautiful  fish  is  of  a  greenish  yellow  above — with 
golden  yellow  sides  crossed  by  seven  transverse  dark  bands, 
those  upon  middle  of  body  broadest :  beneath,  white.  The 
length  of  the  head  compared  to  the  length  of  the  body,  is  as 


6  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

one  to  three.  The  preoperculum  is  margined  with  strong 
teeth,  projecting  forwards,  those  on  posterior  edge  are  the 
smaller.  The  bony  operculum  is  serrated  below,  and  termina- 
ted at  its  posterior  angle  by  a  spine.  A  membranous  prolon- 
gation extends  from  the  margin  of  the  suboperculum.  Hume- 
ral bones  grooved.  The  portion  of  the  head  between,  and  in 
front  of,  the  eyes,  smooth — portion  back  of  eyes.  bony.  Eyes 
of  moderate  size — pupils  black,  irides  golden.  The  anterior 
nostrils  much  in  advance  of  the  posterior,  which  are  larger. 
The  lateral  line  commences  high  above  the  posterior  angle  of 
the  operculum,  and  assuming  the  curve  of  the  body,  is  contin- 
ued to  the  base  of  the  tail.  The  first  Dorsal  fin  is  as  long 
again  as  high :  the  second  Dorsal  is  one  third  shorter  than  the 
first. 

The  Pectoral  fins  commence  on  a  line  with  the  posterior 
angle  of  the  operculum,  and  are  one  third  as  long  as  high. 

The  Ventral  fins  arise  about  four  lines  back  of  pectorals. 

The  Anal  fin  is  higher  than  long  :   anus  is  situated  three 
lines  anterior  to  it. 

The  Dorsal  and  Caudal  fins  are  brownish.     The  Pectoral, 
Yentral  and  Anal  fins  are  scarlet. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  *  B.  7  ;  D.  13.  2-14  :  C.  17  ;  P. 
15  ;  V.  1-5  ;  A.  2-8. 


LABRAX.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Two  dorsal  fins,  distinct,  separated; 
the  rays  of  the  first,  spinous  ;  those  of  the  second,  flexible : 
branchiostegous  rays  7:  tongue  covered  with  small  teeth: 
teeth  on  both  jaws,  on  the  vomer  and  palatine  bones :  checks, 
preoperculum  and  operculum,  covered  with  scales :  suborbitul 
bone  and  suboperculum  without  serrations:  preoperculum 
notched  below,  serrated  on  its  posterior  edge :  operculum  end- 
ing in  two  points,  diverted  backwards. 

*  The  letters  indicate  the  different  fins  :    B.  the  branchial  rays.    D.  those  of  the  Dorsal 
fin;  C.  Caudal ;  P.  Pectoral ;  V.  Ventral;  A.  Anal. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  7 

L.     lineatus.     Cuv.      The  striped  Basse. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Society  of  N.  Y.  p.  413. 
Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  v.  ii.  p.  98. 
Cuv,  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des.  Poiss,  t.  ii. 

This  fine  species,  which  sometimes  weighs  75  pounds,  is 
taken  in  considerable  numbers  upon  our  coast.  Large  quanti- 
ties of  small  basse  are  caught  with  nets  near  Chelsea  and  Nan- 
tasket  beaches.  It  is  generally  found  upon  shoals  near  the 
land,  where  frequently  a  dozen  or  more  may  be  seen  at  a  time 
beneath  the  water,  quietly  lying  upon  the  rocky  bottom.  In 
the  winter,  this  fish  goes  up  into  the  rivers  and  arms  of 
the  sea.  Oftentimes  basse  of  considerable  size  are  taken  in 
Boston  harbor.  I  saw  in  Boston  market,  on  the  26th  of  July, 
1837,  a  specimen  3  feet  and  10  inches  long,  weighing  36 
pounds,  which  was  taken  from  one  of  the  bridges  leading  out 
of  the  city.  The  flesh  of  this  species,  particularly  of  the 
larger  ones,  is  rather  coarse,  but  meets  with  a  ready  sale  in  a 
fresh  state  :  in  1836,  a  small  number  of  barrels,  (sixty-seven,) 
were  packed  and  inspected. 

The  upper  part  of  the  body  is  silvery  brown :  lower  part  of 
sides  and  abdomen  a  beautiful  clear  silver  color  •  eight  or  more 
longitudinal  black  bands  on  each  side,  commencing  just  back 
of  opercula  j  the  upper  bands  running  the  whole  length  of  the 
fish,  the  inferior  ones  terminating  directly  above  the  anal  fin. 
Length  of  head  to  length  of  entire  fish  as  1  to  5.  Head 
covered  with  scales  throughout  its  whole  extent,  save  the 
frontal  and  suborbitar  bones.  Eyes  moderate  in  size,  pupils 
black,  irides  golden :  diameter  of  eye,  equal  to  about  half  the 
distance  between  eyes.  Opercula  in  portions,  cupreous.  Teeth 
in  jaws  numerous,  teeth  also  upon  palatine  bones :  tongue 
rough.  Lower  jaw  the  longer.  Nostrils  double  j  the  posterior 
larger.  Preoperculumi,  at  its  posterior  margin,  finely  serrated 
throughout  its  whole  length  ;  at  its  inferior  margin,  denticula- 
ted. Operculum,  at  its  posterior  margin,  furnished  with  two 
spines,  the  lower  of  which  is  the  larger.  Lateral  line  very 
distinct,  arising  above  the  superior  spine  of  the  operculum,  and 
running  through  the  centre  of  one  of  the  longitudinal  bands. 


8  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  is  two  thirds  the  length  of  the  head  : 
the  third  and  fourth  rays  are  the  longest. 

The  first  ray  of  the  second  Dorsal  is  spinous ;  the  height  of 
this  fin  is  equal  to  more  than  half  its  length. 

The  Pectoral  fins  arise  beneath  and  behind  the  inferior  spine 
of  the  operculum  ;  their  length  to  their  height  is  as  1  to  4. 

The  flesh-colored  Ventrals  arise  just  back  of  pectorals  :  their 
first  ray  is  spinous.  These  fins  are  rather  longer  than  pectorals. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  opposite  the  middle  of  the  second  dorsal ; 
its  first  three  rays  are  spinous  :  this  fin  is  one  third  shorter 
than  first  dorsal :  its  length  to  .height  is  as  1  to  3. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  9.  1-12 ;  P.  18  ;  Y.  1-4  • 
A.  3-11 ;  C.  18. 


L.     mucronatus.     Cuv.      The  small  American  Basse. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  ii.  p.  86. 

In  the  spring  and  autumn,  this  species  is  brought  to  Boston 
market,  from  the  mouths  of  the  neighboring  rivers  and  the 
ponds  to  which  the  sea  has  access.  It  is  commonly  called 
white  perch.  Its  usual  weight  is  about  half  a  pound.  The 
largest  specimen  I  have  met  with,  was  procured  in  Quincy 
market,  Dec.  22,  1837;  it  measured  15  inches  in  length,  and 
weighed  1  3-4  pound,  and  its  stomach  contained  a  specimen  of 
the  Leuciscus  crysoleucas  more  than  five  inches  in  length. 

The  color  is  a  silvery  gray  :  in  very  large  specimens,  alt  the 
upper  part  of  the  body,  as  well  as  the  head  and  fins,  are  of  a 
rusty  black.  Length  of  head,  compared  to  that  of  body, 
as  1  to  4 :  depth  of  body  across  base  of  pectorals,  four  inches 
and  two  lines.  Upper  jaw  protractile  :  very  fine  teeth,  thickly 
set  in  both  jaws.  Eyes  large,  pupils  black,  irides  silvery.  Nos- 
trils double,  posterior  nearly  as  large  again  as  the  anterior. 
Operculum,  preoperculum  and  maxillary  bones  covered  with 
scales.  Head  back  of,  and  between  eyes,  scaly.  The  space 
between  nostrils,  and  in  front  of  eyes  to  maxillary  bones,  des- 
titute of  scales.  Preoperculum,  denticulated  behind  and 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  9 

below  ;  dentic illations  much  smaller  upon  the  upper  portion  of 
posterior  edge.  The  lowest  edge  of  operculum  very  slightly 
serrated ;  a  spine  at  its  posterior  angle,  and  above  this  an 
obtuse  point.  The  lateral  line  commences  at  the  upper  pos- 
terior portion  of  the  operculum.  and  inclining  a  little  upward, 
is  lost  on  the  membrane  connecting  the  middle  rays  of  the 
caudal  fin. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  about  six  lines  back  of  the 
base  of  the  pectorals,  and  is  about  half  as  high  as  long. 

The  second  Dorsal  fin  is  rather  more  than  two  thirds  the 
length  of  the  first  dorsal :  its  first  ray  is  spinous. 

The  Pectorals  commence  on  a  line  with  the  posterior  angle 
of  the  operculum  :  length  equal  to  one  third  their  height. 

The  Yentrals  arise  back  of  the  pectorals,  and  are  two  lines 
shorter  than  those  fins. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  on  a  line  with  the  fifth  ray  of  the 
second  dorsal  :  the  height  and  length  of  this  fin  are  equal. 

The  Anal  and  Dorsal  fins  terminate  on  the  same  plane. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  9.  1-1.2  j  P.  15;  V.  1-5; 
A.  3-9  ;  C.  17. 


CENTROPRISTIS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  A  single  dorsal  Jin  :  branchiostegous 
rays  7  :  all  the  teeth  small  and  crowded :  no  canini :  preoper- 
culum  dentated,  and  operculum  spinous. 

C.     nigricans.     Cuv.       The  Black  Perch. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  415,  et  fig. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  v.  ii.  p.  107. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  iii.  p.  14. 

I  have  never  heard  of  this  species,  the  Perca  varia  of 
Mitchell,  having  been  taken  north  of  Cape  Cod.  The  only 
specimen  met  with,  Dr.  Yale  kindly  sent  me  from  Holmes 
Hole,  where  it  is  called  black  fish  and  black  basse :  he  informs 
me  that  it  has  been  taken  there  in  great  numbers  in  May, 


10  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

June  and  July,  and  carried  to  the  New  York  market — and 
adds,  "  it  is  perhaps  the  most  delicious  fish  that  is  caught." 

The  body  of  the  specimen  before  me  is  elongated — com- 
pressed— of  a  dark  brown,  almost  black  color  above : — lighter 
beneath.  Color  of  head,  sea  or  bronze  green — scales  large. 
Length  of  fish,  1  foot :  greatest  depth  3J  inches.  Length  of 
head  to  posterior  angle  of  operculum,  one  third  the  length  of  the 
fish :  head  between,  and  in  front  of  eyes,  smooth.  Eyes  one 
half  inch  in  diameter — less  than  the  distance  between  eyes. 
Nostrils  double — just  anterior  to  anterior  superior  angle  of  eye 
— posterior,  the  larger.  Jaws  equal  in  length,  armed  with  a 
great  number  of  minute  sharp  teeth.  Lips  fleshy.  Whole 
posterior  edge  of  preoperculum,  denticulated : — inferior  edge 
serrated — scales  upon  preopercle  smaller  than  those  upon  body. 
A  small  spine  at  posterior  angle  of  operculum,  below  which  is  a 
broad  fleshy  elongation  projecting  beyond  it.  Humeral  bone 
denticulated.  The  lateral  line  arises  at  the  lower  edge  of  the 
humeral  bone,  and  assumes  the  curve  of  the  body. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  about  a  line  back  of  the  humeral  bone 
— its  first  ten  rays  are  spinous,  each  having  a  fleshy  tentaculum 
suspended  from  its  extremity.  The  first  ray  is  shortest — the 
third  ray  is  longest.  The  eleven  fleshy  rays  are  higher  than 
the  spinous  ones : — the  membrane  of  the  whole  fin  is  white, 
crossed  by  dark  bars. 

The  Pectoral  fins  arise  just  below  the  fleshy  projection  of  the 
operculum — their  length  to  their  height  is  as  1  to  4. 

The  Ventral  fins  are  in  front  of  pectorals — the  middle  rays  are 
longest: — the  rays  are  nearly  black,  while  the  connecting 
membrane  is  white. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  back  of  soft  rays  of  dorsal : — the 
first  two  rays  are  spinous.  Fin  higher  than  long,  and  barred 
like  the  dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  slightly  convex  in  its  middle  : — its  length 
equal  to  half  its  height :  the  connecting  membrane  of  its  rays 
black,  blotched  with  white. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows:  B.  7;  D.  10,  11  ;  P.  17;  V. 
6 ;  A.  2-9  ;  C.  18. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  11 

POMOTIS.       CUV. 

Generic  characters.  A  single  dorsal  fin  :  branchiostegous 
rays  6  :  small  and  crowded  teeth  :  body  compressed  and  oval  : 
a  membranous  prolongation  at  the  angle  of  the  operculum. 

P.     vulgaris.     Cuv.      Fresh  water  Sun  Fish.     Pond  Perch. 

Shaw's  Zoology,  vol.  iv.  pt.  11,  p.  482. 

Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Trans.  N.  Y.  i.  p.  403. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol  ii.  p.  108. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.  His.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t,  iii.  p.  91 . 

Jardine's  Naturalist's  Library,  vol.  i.  Ichthyology,  p.  162. 

Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  p.  24  et  fig. 

This  very  common  species  in  the  numerous  ponds  of  our 
State  is  taken  with  the  Perca  Jlavescens — Leuciscus  crysoleu- 
cas — Esox  reticulatus,  &c.,  and  is  generally  known  by  the 
vulgar  name  of  Bream.  It  rarely  exceeds  eight  inches  in 
length.  Though  seldom  brought  to  market,  it  is  considered 
by  many,  an  excellent  edible  fish.  In  the  Naturalist's  Library, 
it  is  said  to  be  "of  unobtrusive  colors,"  while,  in  truth,  it  is 
one  of  our  most  beautiful  species — vieing  oftentimes  in  the 
brilliancy  of  its  coloring  with  tropical  fishes. 

The  specimen  before  me,  measures  seven  inches  in  length  : 
length  of  head  to  outer  angle  of  operculum  nearly  two  inches  : 
depth  of  body,  on  a  line  with  base  of  pectorals,  three  inches. 
General  color  greenish  brown  with  spots  of  blue  and  yellow 
upon  each  scale :  longitudinal,  undulating  deep  blue  lines 
across  preoperculum  and  operculum,  with  rusty  yellow  blotches 
interspersed.  Scales  upon  body,  large — smallest  at  base  of  fins. 
Head,  between  eyes,  naked,  and  of  a  darker  color  than  the 
body  generally.  Nostrils  double — anterior  tubular :  teeth  in 
jaws  very  minute  and  sharp :  upper  jaw  protractile.  Eyes 
large,  nearly  half  an  inch  in  diameter.  At  posterior  angle  of 
operculum.  a  large  black  spot  embracing  a  portion  of  the  oper- 
culum, and  a  fleshy  prolongation  having  a  bright  scarlet  col- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

ored  margin.  Just  above  this  spot,  arises  the  lateral  line,  which 
assumes  the  curve  of  the  back,  and  is  lost  at  the  base  of  the 
tail.  The  back  curves  very  gradually  as  far  as  the  posterior 
extremity  of  the  dorsal  fin,  then  abruptly  gives  place  to  the 
fleshy  portion  of  the  tail.  All  the  fins  more  or  less  colored 
with  black.  Length  of  the  pectoral  fins  nearly  two  inches. 
Anus  large,  corrugated— two  lines  anterior  to  the  anal  fin. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  10-12  ;  P.  13  ;  V.  1-5;  A. 
3-10;  C.  17. 

I  am  induced  to  believe,  from  the  remarks  of  several  anglers 
with  whom  I  have  conversed  and  corresponded,  that  another 
species  of  Pomotis  inhabits  our  waters. 


FAMILY  II. 

BUCC^  LORICAT2E. 

PRIONOTUS.     Lacep. 

Generic  characters.  Head  nearly  square,  covered  ivith  bony 
plates  :  gill-cover  and  shoulder-plate  ending  in  a  spine  directed 
backwards :  body  elongated,  nearly  round :  two  dorsal  fins, 
the  rays  of  the  first,  spinous  ;  those  of  the  second.,  flexible  : 
teeth  in  jaws,  in  front  of  vomer.  and  upon  palatine  bones, 
pointed,  small  and  numerous :  gill-opening  large :  three  de- 
tached rays  at  the  base  of  each  pectoral  fin. 

P.     strigatus.     Cuv.     Sea  Robin.     Gurnard.      Grunter. 
Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  N.  Y.  p.  430  et  fig. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat  des  Poiss.  t  iv.,  p.  86. 

This  species  which  is  very  well  described,  and  tolerably  figur- 
ed by  Mitchell  as  the  Trigla  lineata,  is  frequently  taken  in 
the  vicinity  of  Holmes  Hole,  while  fishing  for  other  species, 
but  is  not  used. 

A  beautiful  specimen  received  from  Dr.  Yale  enables  me  to 
offer  the  following  description : 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  13 

Body  above  lateral  line  of  a  slate  color,  with  a  few  black 
spots  irregularly  distributed  ;  sides  lighter,  with  a  reddish  tint ; 
abdomen,  white.  Besides  the  lateral  line  which  is  very  obvi- 
ous, a  broader  brownish  line  runs  parallel  to  it  beneath,  arising 
under  the  humeral  spine,  and  running  the  greater  part  of  the 
length  of  the  body,  broken  at  its  posterior  extremity  into  inter- 
rupted points  or  spots. 

Length  of  specimen,  nine  inches  : — length  of  head,  nearly 
three  inches  :  head  broader  than  the  body  ;  its  depth  equal  to 
half  of  its  length.  Head  is  made  up  of  seven  distinct  bony 
plates  covered  with  sparse  small  black  points,  which  form  a 
perfect  helmet  of  defence.  The  whole  upper  part  of  head — 
occiput,  space  between  eyes,  and  anterior  portion  to  snout, 
composed  of  one  plate — this  portion  is  roughened,  throughout 
its  whole  extent  by  irregular  corrugations,  and  terminates  pos- 
teriorly in  two  strong  spines  ; — minute  spines  are  seen  also  above 
eyes,  at  their  upper  anterior  and  posterior  angles :  this  plate  is 
anteriorly  widely  but  not  deeply  truncated.  The  operculum 
is  a  separate  plate,  of  an  irregular  triangular  form,  having  two 
spines  at  its  posterior  extremity — the  lower  larger,  and  point- 
ing directly  back ;  the  upper  pointing  upwards :  operculum 
covered  with  striae,  radiating  from  the  anterior  portion  on  each 
side  of  the  spine  towards  the  circumference.  Opercle  separated 
from  preopercle,  by  a  membrane,  which  enables  it  to  be  quite 
moveable  :  a  wide  membrane  also  borders  its  whole  margin. 
The  preoperculum  is  rather  small  and  triangular — slighty  move- 
able — divided  at  its  lower  portion  by  a  horizontal  serrated  bony 
ridge  which  terminates  in  a  naked  spine  ; — beneath  this  ridge, 
the  inferior  portion  is  corrugated  and  granulated  :  from  base  of 
preopercle,  radii  diverge  to  its  upper  portion.  Suborbitar  bones 
roughened  like  top  of  head  :  cheek  bones  covered  with  elevat- 
ed striae,  slightly  serrated  upon  their  whole  lower  margin,  and 
strongly  serrated  anteriorly  on  each  side  of  snout. 

Snout  half  of  an  inch  wide — four  lines  long — naked — situ- 
ated in  front  of  emargination  of  frontal  bone.  Eyes  located 
towards  upper  part  of  head — oblong — longest  diameter  equal  to 
the  distance  between  eyes.  Nostrils  small — situated  half  way 


14  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

between  eyes  and  extremity  of  snout,  in  the  membranous  divi- 
sion between  the  bony  plates.  Jaws  armed  with  very  nume- 
rous small  teeth:  upper  jaw  projecting  beyond  the  lower. 
Tongue  colorless,  fleshy,  naked.  A  strong  ridge  upon  hume- 
ral bone  serrated  on  its  under  edge,  terminating  in  a  naked  spine. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  arises  on  a  line  with  the  termination  of 
the  occipital  spines — is  situated  in  a  groove  which  partially 
receives  it,  when  closed — light  colored,  with  a  black  blotch 
upon  the  upper  portion  of  the  membrane  between  the  fourth 
and  fifth  rays :  first  ray  spinous,  and  serrated  upon  its  entire 
front :  second  and  third  serrated  at  their  upper  anterior  portion : 
third  and  fourth  rays  longest.  Fin  one  third  longer  than  high. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  one  third  longer  than  the  first. 

The  Pectoral  fins  are  one  third  the  length  of  the  body — 
nearly  black,  with  very  numerous  narrow  transverse  bars. 
On  a  line  with  the  base  of  the  pectorals,  beneath  them,  three 
fleshy  appendages  are  seen,  somewhat  similar  in  their  appear- 
ance to  the  fin  rays :  the  upper,  which  is  the  longest,  is  half 
the  length  of  the  pectorals. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  beneath  the  pectorals — white  : 
their  longest  rays  are  equal  to  two  thirds  the  length  of  the 
pectorals.  The  first  ray  shortest,  spinous. 

The  Anal  fin  equal  in  length  to  second  dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  nearly  straight  at  its  extremity. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  9-13  ;  P.  12 ;  V.  6  ;  A.  11 ; 
C.  15. 


P.     Carolinus.     Cuv.      The  Web-fingered  Grunter. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.— p.  431,  et  fig. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t  iv.  p.  90. 

Under  the  name  of  Trigla  palmipes,  this  pretty  species  is 
described  and  figured  by  Mitchell,  in  his  "Fishes  of  New 
York."  I  have  seen  but  one  specimen,  for  which  I  am  in- 
debted to  Dr.  Yale.  This  specimen,  as  it  lies  before  me,  pre- 
sents the  following  characters : 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  15 

Body  above,  of  a  reddish  brown  color,  with  irregular  blotches 
and  shadirigs  of  a  darker  brown :  beneath,  nearly  white.  Bran- 
chial membrane,  fuliginous.  The  lateral  line,  arising  between 
the  occipital  spine  and  the  posterior  superior  edge  of  the  oper- 
culum,  is  conspicuous  throughout  its  whole  length,  but  more 
so  at  its  origin,  and  is  continued  in  a  straight  line  to  the  mid- 
dle of  the  base  of  the  tail. 

Length  of  specimen  thirteen  inches :  length  of  head  three 
inches :  head  slightly  broader  than  the  body :  greatest  width 
of  head  two  inches.  The  description  of  the  bones  of  the  head, 
and  situation  of  the  eyes,  of  the  "  strigatus"  answers  perfectly 
to  the  species  before  me.  Nostrils  of  moderate  size,  situated 
half  of  an  inch  back  of  the  extremity  of  the  snout ;  sides  of 
snout  deeply  serrated.  Jaws  armed  with  numerous  teeth — 
upper  jaw,  the  longer. 

The  first  Dorsal  one  third  longer  than  high — situated  in  a 
conspicuous  groove :  the  rays  are  spinous — the  whole  anterior 
of  the  first  three,  serrated,  and  the  upper  portion  of  the  fourth. 
The  connecting  membrane  is  transparent,  slightly  dusky, 
marked  by  oblique  white  lines,  and  has  a  large  dark  brown 
spot  between  the  fourth  and  fifth  rays. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  as  long  again  as  the  first. 

The  Pectorals  are  large,  broad,  rounded — reddish  brown 
above — slate-colored  beneath,  with  the  exception  of  the  pos- 
terior two  rays,  which  are  white.  These  fins  are  more  than 
one  third  the  length  of  the  body.  Just  in  front  of,  and  beneath 
the  pectorals,  are  three  yellow  fleshy  appendages,  widened  at 
their  extremities — the  longest  of  which,  is  one  inch  in  length  ; 
the  shortest,  half  of  an  inch  long. 

The  Ventrals  are  reddish  white. 

The  Anal  commences  upon  a  line  opposite  to,  and  terminates 
upon  the  same  plane  as  the  second  dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  but  slightly  arcuated. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  9-13  ;  P.  14 ;  V.  6  ;  A.  12  ; 
C.  14. 

Both  these  species  are  called  "  grunter?  from  the  peculiar 
noise  made  by  them. 


16  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 


COTTUS.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Head  large,  depressed :  teeth  in  both 
jaws  and  in  front  ofvomer,  small,  sharp  ;  none  on  the  palatine 
bones:  preoperculum  or  operculum  armed  with  spines,  some- 
times both  :  branchiostegous  rays  6  :  gill-openings  large :  body 
attenuated,  naked,  without  scales  :  two  dorsal  fins,  distinct,  or 
very  slightly  connected:  ventral  fins  small. 

C.     Groenlandicus.    Cuv.      The  Greenland  Sculpin. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss  t.  iv.  p.  185. 
Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  p.  46  et  297,  et  fig. 

This  beautiful  species,  which  is  a  favorite  food  of  the  Green- 
landers,  I  have  seen  in  large  quantities  in  the  small  coves  at 
Nahant,  and  often  taken,  while  fishing  from  the  rocks  there, 
for  the  Sea-perch  or  Conner.  It  is  undoubtedly  common 
along  our  whole  coast.  The  specimen  before  me  was  taken 
from  one  of  the  wharves  in  Boston. 

Length  of  my  specimen  thirteen  inches,  being  a  few  lines 
only  shorter  than  Richardson's  specimen,  which  he  so  clearly 
and  minutely  describes,  and  accurately  figures.  Upper  part  of 
body  dark  brown,  with  large  clay-colored  blotches  on  top  of 
head  and  upon  gill-covers — with  a  few  smaller  ones  on  back 
and  sides,  and  small  circular  yellow  spots  on  sides  towards 
abdomen.  Large  circular  perfectly  white  spots  upon  abdomen, 
beneath  the  pectorals.  The  sides  above  and  beneath  the 
lateral  line  roughened  by  granulated  tubercles.  Length  of 
head  four  and  a  half  inches  :  width  across  occiput  three  inches  ; 
greatest  depth  two  inches.  Head  protected  by  several  spines  ; 
those  upon  its  top,  blunted ;  those  on  gill-covers  longer,  with 
projecting  sharp  points.  The  nasal  spines  are  about  three 
inches  in  length,  recurved :  at  posterior  superior  angles  of  eyes 
a  strong  slightly  recurved  spine,  stouter  than  the  nasal.  Upon 
the  occiput  are  situated  two  spines  still  stronger,  and  erect ; 
between  these  and  the  former,  is  a  quadrangular  depression. 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  17 

The  preoperculum  has  three  spines,  two  of  which  are  situated 
at  its  superior  angle ;  the  upper  of  these  spines  is  much  the 
largest,  and  points  upwards ;  the  second  is  smaller  and  nearly 
straight ;  the  third  and  smallest,  at  its  inferior  angle,  points 
directly  downwards.  The  operculum  is  armed  with  two 
spines,  the  larger,  at  its  superior  angle ;  the  second,  much 
smaller,  at  its  inferior  angle.  A  scapular  spine  is  prominent. 
Eyes  circular,  six  lines  in  diameter.  Gape  of  mouth  very 
large  ;  distance  "between  tips  of  jaws,  when  distended,  two 
inches  two  lines.  Upper  jaw  the  longer :  jaws  armed  with 
numerous  very  small,  sharp  teeth.  Nostrils  tubular,  three 
lines  in  front  of  eyes.  Throat  yellowish  white,  sprinkled  with 
minute  fuliginous  specks. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  on  a  line  anterior  to  scapular 
spine,  rounded,  of  a  dark  brown  color,  variegated  with  yellow : 
length  to  height  as  three  to  two. 

The  second  Dorsal  arises  at  termination  of  first,  appearing  to 
be  a  continuation  of  that  fin,  brown,  with  several  transverse 
yellowish  bars. 

The  Pectoral  fins  are  very  broad,  arising  in  front  of  the  first 
dorsal :  rays  orange-colored  :  length  of  fin,  less  than  height  of 
first  rays.  Upon  the  under  side  of  several  of  the  rays  of  this 
fin,  are  roughened  granulations. 

The  Ventrals  are  small,  white,  with  three  transverse  black 
bars.  These  fins  are  two  inches  in  length. 

The  Anal  fin  is  situated  back  of  second  dorsal,  and  barred 
like  that  fin  :  its  height  half  of  its  length. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  half  as  high  as  long,  rays  black,  the 
connecting  membrane  of  the  rays  yellowish. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  D.  10-18 ;  P.  17  ;  V.  3 ;  A. 
13 ;  C.  16. 

This  species  is  exceedingly  voracious ;  in  the  stomach  of 
one,  I  found  three  entire  specimens  of  the  Portunus  pictus.  of 
considerable  size  :  in  others,  I  have  seen  large  quantities  of  the 
Echinus  granulatus.  and  several  species  of  algae. 

3 


18  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 


C.     Virginianus.     Willoughby.     The  Common  Sculpin. 

Trans,  of  the  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  380. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  iv.  p.  181. 
Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  p.  46. 

Our  most  common  species  of  Cottus, — the  pest  of  the  nu- 
merous boys  and  idlers  who  are  constantly  fishing  from  the 
wharves  and  bridges  for  "torn  cod,"  "flounders,"  and  the  other 
fishes  usually  taken  at  such  localities, — Mitchell  described  un- 
der the  specific  name  of  octodecimspinosus,  and  Cuvier  retains 
this  name,  although  he  acknowledges  the  species  had  been 
previously  described  by  Willoughby,  from  a  specimen  sent  him 
from  Virginia,  by  Lister.  Even  if  the  specific  name  distin- 
guished it  from  the  "  C.  Scorpius,"  which  is  not  the  case,  both 
species  having  the  same  number  of  spines,  I  should  not  have 
hesitated  to  pursue  that  course  which  is  generally  acknowl- 
edged to  be  the  most  honorable,  and  to  have  preserved  the 
name  proposed  by  its  first  describer. 

Specimen  before  me,  eleven  inches  long.  Body  much  more 
elongated  than  that  of  the  "Groenlandicns"  of  a  light  brown 
color  above,  with  darker  irregular  blotches,  looking,  when 
carefully  examined,  somewhat  like  transverse  bands.  Lateral 
line  very  prominent,  commencing  at  scapular  spine  and  run- 
ning a  straight  course  to  tail,  being  less  marked  at  its  poste- 
rior extremity.  A  few  small  tubercles  upon  sides  near  lateral 
line.  Throat  pure  white.  Abdomen  white,  slightly  tinged  in 
portions  with  fuliginous  stains. 

Length  of  head,  one  third  the  length  of  body ;  greatest 
width  equal  to  its  greatest  depth.  Twenty  spines  upon  and 
about  head  ;  ten  on  each  side  :  all  naked  at  their  extremities. 
Nasal  spines  small,  recurved.  Post-orbitar  spines  slightly 
longer  than  nasals,  pointing  directly  backwards,  being  hardly 
raised  from  the  top  of  the  head.  Occipital  spines  erect,  but 
slightly  recurved,  stouter  than  those  just  spoken  of.  Three 
spines  upon  preoperculum ;  that  at  posterior  angle,  ten  lines 
long,  naked  throughout  its  greatest  extent,  very  stout,  extend- 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  19 

ing  back  in  a  straight  line  as  far  as  extremity  of  opercular 
spine ;  directly  below  the  base  of  this  spine,  a  very  small  one, 
only  two  lines  in  length,  pointing  obliquely  backwards  and 
downwards :  at  inferior  angle  of  preopercle,  a  spine  nearly  half 
an  inch  long,  pointing  downwards  and  forwards.  Two  spines 
upon  operculum ;  the  larger,  nearly  two  inches  long,  passes 
from  its  upper  anterior  portion  to  posterior  angle,  pointing 
obliquely  backwards ;  the  other,  quite  small  at  inferior  angle, 
pointing  directly  downwards.  Scapular  spine  three  lines  long. 
Humeral  spine  strong,  one  half  inch  in  length. 

Eyes  six  lines  in  diameter ;  pupils  black,  irides  golden :  dis- 
tance between  eyes,  four  lines.  Nostrils  small,  tubular.  Jaws 
armed  with  numerous  sharp,  compact  teeth.  Upper  jaw,  the 
longer. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  is  of  a  dark  brown  color,  irregularly 
banded  with  yellow :  the  rays  are  much  stouter  than  those  of 
the  same  fin  in  the  "  Groenlandicus  ;"  the  extremities  of  the 
first  five  rays  project  beyond  the  connecting  membrane. 
Length  of  fin  greater  than  its  height. 

The  second  Dorsal  commences  at  the  termination  of  the  first, 
and  is  one  third  longer  than  that  fin  ;  and  is  of  a  greenish  yel- 
low color,  with  three  transverse  black  bands. 

The  Pectorals  are  large,  rounded  ;  the  rays  of  a  dirty  white 
color,  much  smaller  than  those  of  this  fin  in  the  "  Groenlandi- 
cus; "  the  connecting  membrane  of  fin,  white,  crossed  trans- 
versely by  four  regular  transverse  black  bands. 

The  Ventrals  commence  just  back  of  the  second  dorsal.     Its 
length  to  its  height  as  3  to  1  ;  white,  irregularly  barred. 
.    The  Caudal  fin  is  even  at  its  extremity :    yellowish,  with 
three  regular  transverse  dark  bars  j  its  height  to  its  length  as  2 
to  1. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  9-16  ;  P.  17 ;  V.  3 ;  A.  14 ; 
C.  12. 


20  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


C.    aeneus.    Mitchell.      The  brazen  Bullhead. 

Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  Trans.  N.  Y.  p.  380. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t  iv.  p.  189. 

This  species  is  taken  from  our  wharves  with  the  "  Virginia- 
nus."  Like  that  fish,  it  is  very  voracious,  catching  at  almost  any 
kind  of  bait  offered  to  it,  and  distending  itself  immensely  with 
food. 

My  description  is  drawn  up  from  a  specimen  twelve  inches 
in  length.  All  upper  part  of  body,  of  a  yellowish  brown 
color,  shaded  throughout  with  fuliginous  blotches,  which 
upon  the  head  prevail  over  the  yellow  :  on  sides  of  abdomen, 
beneath  the  lateral  linej  lighter  :  beneath,  and  covered  by  pec- 
torals, a  broad  band  of  very  minute  black  points  extends  even 
beyond  the  anus,  along  the  edge  of  the  anal  fin ;  the  portion  in 
front  of  anus,  contains  one  or  more  rows  of  well  marked  large, 
circular,  yellow  spots.  Entire  under  surface  of  head  also 
sprinkled  over  with  similar  black  points.  Greatest  depth  of 
specimen  equal  to  one  fourth  its  length  :  greatest  width  across 
back  of  head  equal  to  one  third  its  length.  Length  of  head 
to  whole  length  of  fish,  as  five  to  twelve :  upon  each  side  of 
head,  nine  more  or  less  prominent  spines,  those  on  the  gill- 
covers  the  largest :  one,  just  above  nostrils,  three  lines  in 
length  and  incurved ;  a  second,  resembling  a  blunted  tubercle 
at  the  upper  posterior  angle  of  eyes  ;  a  third,  rather  sharper 
than  the  second,  forms  the  posterior  boundary  of  the  head.  A 
strong,  sharp  spine,  half  an  inch  in  length,  is  situated  upon 
the  supra  scapular  bone.  The  operculum  has  two  spines  ;  the 
largest,  one  quarter  of  an  inch  in  length,  at  the  posterior  angle  : 
the  second,  quite  small  at  the  inferior  angle,  almost  concealed 
in  the  flesh,  pointing  downwards.  The  preoperculum  has 
three  spines  ;  the  largest,  nine  lines  in  length,  is  sharp,  naked 
at  its  posterior  portion,  and  pointing  upwards;  the  second, 
much  smaller,  is  also  naked,  and  situated  at  the  base  of  the 
first,  appearing  as  if  a  bifurcation  of  it,  pointing  backwards ; 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  21 

the  third,  is  placed  at  the  inferior  angle,  and,  like  the  similarly 
situated  spine  of  the  operculum,  is  concealed.  A  small  spine 
upon  infra  scapular  bone.  A  large  depression  on  the  top  of 
head  ;  bounded,  between  eyes,  by  orbitar  ridges  ;  back  of  eyes 
it  is  broader,  and  bounded  on  sides  by  a  longitudinal  ridge. 
Mouth  very  large  ;  lower  jaw  the  shorter  ;  both  jaws  armed 
with  numerous,  small,  sharp,  recurved  teeth,  compactly  placed 
together:  when  mouth  is  closed,  the  intermaxillary  bone 
forms  a  protuberance  between  the  two  anterior  spines.  Nos- 
trils small,  tubular.  Eyes  large,  pupils  black,  irides  reddish 
yellow  j  distance  between  eyes  eight  lines. 

The  lateral  line,  which  is  quite  prominent,  commences  just 
above  the  humeral  spine,  and  continues  a  straight  course  to  the 
middle  of  the  base  of  the  tail.  One  or  two  irregular  rows  of 
very  obvious  roughened  tubercles  above,  and  quite  a  number  of 
smaller  tubercles  scattered  over  the  sides,  beneath  the  lateral 
line. 

The  fins  are  yellowish,  with  black  bands. 

The  first  Dorsal  is  rounded,  and  connected  with  the  second 
dorsal  by  a  membranous  prolongation. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  about  one  third  longer  than  the  first. 

The  Pectoral  fins,  when  expanded,  are  rounded  :  the  rays 
large  and  stout. 

The  Ventrals  are  composed  of  three  rays  :  yellowish  white, 
with  two  transverse  dark  bands. 

The  Anal  fin  is  shorter  than  the  first  dorsal,  with  three  or 
four  oblique  black  bands. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  in  length  equal  to  half  of  its  height. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  D.  10-15  ;  P.  16  ;  A.  13  ;  V. 
3 ;  C.  12. 


ASPIDOPHOROIDES.     Lacepede. 

Generic  characters.  Body  octagonal,  covered  with  scaly 
plates  ;  head  thicker  than  the  body,  with  points  and  depressions 
above,  flattened  below  ;  teeth  in  both  jaws  only,  none  on  the 


22  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

vomer  ;  snout  with  recurved  spines  ;  branchiostegous  rays  6  ; 
body  tapering  to  the  tail ;  but  one  dorsal  fin,  distinct. 

A.     monopterygius.    Cuv.     The  Bullhead. 
Plate  I.  Fig.  1. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  iv.  p.  224. 
Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  p.  50. 

Early  in  May,  1838,  I  received  three  specimens  of  this  fish 
from  Mr.  Jonathan  Johnson,  Jr.,  of  Nahant,  who  took  them 
from  the  stomachs  of  haddock  he  had  just  captured  within 
two  miles  of  that  place.  They  were  each  more  or  less"  muti- 
lated ;  one  of  them,  however,  is  sufficiently  perfect  to  allow 
me  to  present  the  following  description,  and  to  enable  my 
friend,  Dr.  Wyman,  to  figure  it. 

Length  of  specimen,  four  inches.  Color  above,  a  light 
brown,  with  six  transverse  dark  bands,  extending  from  head 
to  tail,  those  near  the  head  broader :  beneath,  lighter.  Body 
elongated,  gradually  tapering  to  tail,  divided  longitudinally  by 
eight  rows  of  scaly  plates.  Those  just  back  of  head  much 
the  largest.  Upon  top  of  head,  two  rows  of  these  scales  :  two 
rows  on  sides :  two  beneath,  in  front  of  dorsal,  and  but  six 
rows  back  of  that  fin.  The  body  is  four-sided  in  front  of  the 
dorsal  fin.  The  angles  of  the  large  scales  on  the  back,  form 
prominent  ridges,  and  between  them  is  thus  formed  a  groove, 
which  extends  to  posterior  extremity  of  dorsal  fin  :  back  of 
that  fin  is  a  dorsal  ridge,  instead  of  a  furrow,  which  passes  to 
the  tail.  The  same  distribution  of  these  scaly  rows  exists  be- 
neath fish  as  upon  upper  part  of  body.  Length  of  head  equal 
to  one  fifth  length  of  body :  width  of  head  greater  than  that 
of  body.  Eyes  very  large  :  orbitar  bones  prominent :  whole 
head  bony.  A  longitudinal  furrow  extends  from  before  eyes, 
between  them  to  occiput.  A  transverse  depression  exists  back 
of  eyes,  and  also  another  at  occiput.  The  snout  has  two  re- 
curved spines  at  its  extremity,  and  a  third,  smaller  one,  back  of 
them,  curving  forwards.  Mouth  small ;  numerous  minute 
teeth  in  both  jaws.  The  operculum  terminates  in  a  spiny  process. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  23 

The  Dorsal  fin  is  situated  upon  the  posterior  half  of  the 
body,  at  the  extreme  portion  of  the  dorsal  furrow. 

Owing  to  the  imperfect  state  of  specimen,  it  is  impossible  to 
be  entirely  accurate  with  regard  to  the  number  of  the  fin  rays  : 
they  are,  however,  very  nearly  as  follows  :  D.  5  ;  P.  10  ;  V. 
4;  A.  4;  C.  16. 

This  species  is  unquestionably  the  fish  which  was  first  de- 
scribed by  Bloch  as  the  "Coitus  monopterygius"  and  minutely 
described  as  the  "  Aspidophorus  monopterygius"  by  Cuvier,  in 
the  fourth  volume  of  his  "  Histoire  Naturelle  des  Poissons." 
Lacepede  formed  the  genus  "  Aspidophoroides"  to  receive  the 
species  above  described,  it  being  the  only  known  "Aspidophorus" 
with  a  single  dorsal  fin.  At  the  time  this  genus  was  formed, 
the  species  of  which  we  have  been  speaking  was  supposed  to 
have  been  brought  from  the  East  Indies.  Cuvier,  however,  in 
his  description,  says  he  has  not  received  it  from  the  East 
Indies  in  any  of  his  numerous  collections  from  that  quarter  of 
the  world ;  and  finally,  Richardson,  in  his  "  Fauna  Boreali 
Americana"  observes,  "  that  it  has  lately  been  discovered  to 
be  an  inhabitant  of  the  Greenland  Seas,  so  that  this  sub-genus 
belongs  entirely  to  the  northern  hemisphere,  and  chiefly  to  the 
higher  latitudes." 


HEMITRIPTERUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  The  head  depressed,  and  two  dorsals, 
as  in  the  Cottus  ;  no  regular  scales  on  the  skin,  but  teeth  in 
the  palate.  The  head  is  bristly  and  spinous,  and  has  several 
cutaneous  appendages.  The  first  dorsal  is  deeply  emarginate, 
a  circumstance  which  has  led  some  authors  to  believe  they  had 
three. 

H.     Americanus.     Gmelin.      The  Sea  Raven. 

Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  382. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.    Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  iv.  p.  268. 

Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  p.  50. 

. 


24  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Sea  raven,  or  deep  water  sculpin,  as  it  is  generally 
called  by  our  fishermen,  is  the  only  known  species  of  the 
genus  "Hemitripterus."  It  was  considered  a  "Cottus"  by  Pen- 
nant, and  a  "  Scorpcena"  by  Gmelin  and  Mitchell. 

It  is  taken  in  deep  water,  in  the  neighborhood  of  ledges,  by 
the  cod  fishers,  and  grows  to  the  length  of  two  feet.  This 
species  varies  exceedingly  in  its  color.  Thus  of  three  fine  spe- 
cimens lying  before  me,  one  is  of  a  deep  blood  red  color ;  a  sec- 
ond, of  a  pinkish  purple  ;  the  third,  of  a  yellowish  brown, 
darker  on  the  back ;  each,  however,  variegated  on  the  head 
and  sides  and  fins  with  irregularly  defined  markings :  body, 
beneath,  yellowish.  The  coloring  matter  of  the  surface  tinges 
the  fingers  when  rubbed  upon  it.  Surface  of  body  destitute 
of  scales,  granulated,  and  studded  with  innumerable  tuber- 
cles, which  are  quite  large  high  up  on  the  back,  and  very 
small  or  almost  entirely  disappearing  beneath  the  lateral 
line.  Head  large,  spinous,  hideous  in  appearance.  Length 
of  head  to  entire  length  of  body,  measuring  to  posterior 
extremity  of  operculum,  nearly  as  one  to  four :  width  of 
head  across  opercula  equal  to  its  length.  Twelve,  more  or  less 
prominent,  blunted  spinous  tubercles  on  each  side  of  median 
line  of  head,  the  sharpest  pointed,  just  back  of  nostrils :  the 
largest,  at  posterior  angles  of  eyes,  and  just  in  front  of  dorsal 
fin.  Fleshy  cirrhi  are  suspended  from  several  portions  of  the 
head,  such  as  anterior  and  posterior  angles  of  eyes  and  about 
snout :  those  hanging  from  over  eyes  appear  like  a  broad 
fringe.  Orbitar  cavity  large.  Eyes  moderate  in  size,  pupils 
black,  irides  yellowish  brown.  Distance  between  superior 
angle  of  eyes  rather  less  than  one  fourth  the  length  of  the 
head  :  space  between  eyes  deeply  depressed.  Operculum,  at 
its  posterior  angle,  armed  with  two  strong  spines,  similar  to 
those  of  the  "Cottus."  Jaws  about  equal  in  length  :  twelve 
digitated  cirrhi  are  suspended  from  under  jaw.  Mouth  very 
large.  Teeth  in  jaws  and  palate  numerous,  sharp,  recurved : 
teeth  also  in  pharynx.  The  lateral  line,  which  is  tubercular, 
commences  just  above  posterior  angle  of  operculum,  and  curv- 


* 

I    * 

IK 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  25 

ing  with  the  body,  terminates  at  the  base  of  the  caudal  rays. 
A  strong  spinous  tubercle  arises  from  humeral  bone. 

The  first  rays  of  the  first  Dorsal  are  longest ;  the  seventh, 
eighth  and  ninth  rays  are  next  in  length  :  in  other  words,  this 
fin  at  first  sight  appears  as  if  divided,  or  as  two  fins.  Delicate 
tentaculae  are  suspended  from  the  extremities  of  the  rays  of  this 
fin. 

Just  back  of  the  first  Dorsal  arises  the  second,  appearing  as 
if  connected,  and  hence  described  by  Mitchell  as  one  fin ; 
height  of  this  fin  to  its  length  as  one  to  three. 

The  Pectorals  are  very  large,  when  expanded  resembling  a 
wing  ;  the  rays  are  uncommonly  distinct.  These  fins  arise 
from  the  entire  lower  edge  of  the  branchial  aperture  :  height  to 
length  as  four  to  two  and  a  half. 

The  Ventrals  arise  just  back  of  the  first  rays  of  the  pecto- 
rals ;  they  are  composed  of  three  rays — the  first  ray  shorter 
than  the  second,  and  exceedingly  stout. 

The  Anus  is  situated  equally  distant  from  the  ventral  and 
anal  fins. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  and  terminates  on  the  same  plane 
with  the  second  dorsal :  the  rays  of  this  fin  are  deeply  divided 
at  their  extremities  :  length  of  fin  to  its  height  as  three  and  a 
half  to  one  and  a  half. 

Length  of  Caudal  fin  to  its  height  as  two  to  three  : — the 
color  of  rays  similar  to  that  of  the  body.  The  fin  rays  are  as 
follows  :  D.  16,  13 ;  P.  18  ;  Y.  3  ;  A.  15  ;  C.  19. 


SEBASTES.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Body  oblong,  compressed,  covered  with 
scales  ;  all  the  parts  of  the  head  also  covered  with  scales  ;  eyes 
large  ;  preoperculum  and  operculum  ending  in  three  or  more 
spines  ;  branchiostegous  rays  7  ;  teeth  small,  numerous,  equal 
in  size,  placed  on  both  jaws,  the  vomer  and  palatine  bones  ;  a 
single  dorsal  fin,  part  spinous,  part  flexible  ;  inferior  rays  of 
the  pectoral  fin  simple. 
4 


26  PISHES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS, 


S.  Norvegicus.     Cuv.      The  Norway  Haddock. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  p.  226  et  fig. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  it,  p.  122. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss,  t.  iv.  p.  327. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  i.,  p.  73,  et  fig. 

Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  p.  52. 

With  us,  this  is  not  a  common  species  ;  it  is  taken  while  fish- 
ing near  shoal  ledges  contiguous  to  deep  water.  Although  sel- 
dom offered  for  sale  in  our  market,  it  is  readily  eaten  by  the  Nor- 
wegians;  and  is  a  very  palatable  dish,  as  I  learned  from  an 
epicure  of  this  city,  who,  having  met  with  a  specimen,  and 
thinking  it  to  be  the  "  Scienagigas"  of  Mitchell,  had  it  carefully 
cookel,  and  was  much  delighted  with  his  rarity.  By  our  fish- 
ermen it  is  known  by  the  names  of  "  Rose  fish"  "  Hemdurgan" 
and  "  Snapper"  It  attains  the  length  of  two  feet.  The  fol- 
lowing description  is  drawn  up  from  a  beautiful  recent  speci- 
men, ten  inches  in  length. 

All  upper  of  the  body  of  a  reddish  color : — darker  upon 
head  and  back,  lighter  upon  sides :  nearly  white  beneath.  A 
brown  blotch  upon  posterior  portion  of  operculum.  All  the  fins 
red.  Length  of  the  head,  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  when  closed, 
to  posterior  angle  of  operculum,  one  third  the  length  of  the  fish  ; 
top  of  head,  flattened.  Operculum  armed  with  two  spines. 
Suboperculum  and  interoperculum,  have  each  one  spine  :  pos- 
terior edge  of  operculum  has  five  spinous  processes.  Supra 
scapular  and  subscapular  bone,  have  each  one  spine  ;  a  second, 
scarcely  perceptible  spine  upon  supra  scapular  bone  :  two  spines 
upon  suborbitar  bone  :  a  small,  exceedingly  sharp  pointed  spine 
on  each  side  of  base  of  intermaxillary  bones.  Four  spines 
upon  upper  orbitar  edge  ;  one,  at  upper  anterior  angle  of  eye  ; 
a  second,  with  its  base  continued  along  the  greater  portion  of 
upper  edge ;  and  two  smaller  ones,  behind.  A  very  minute 
spine  upon  the  lower  orbitar  edge,  beneath  centre  of  eye — and 
two  spines  projecting  backward  upon  occiput.  Eyes  very 
large;  pupils  black;  irides  yellow:  diameter  of  eye  equal  to 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  27 

one  third  length  of  head  :  distance  between  eyes  equal  to  five 
eighths  the  diameter  of  the  eye.  Jaws  armed  with  numerous, 
minute,  sharp  teeth  :  upper  jaw  very  protractile — an  emargina- 
tion  in  its  centre,  into  which  the  extremity  of  the  lower  jaw 
shuts,  when  the  mouth  is  closed.  Chin  prominent.  Teeth  in 
vomer  and  palatine  bones. 

The  lateral  line  arises  above  the  operculum,  and  taking  the 
curve  of  the  body,  terminates  at  the  caudal  rays  :  about  thirty- 
six  sharp  points  are  seen  in  the  course  of  the  lateral  line. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  on  a  line  with  the  upper  opercu- 
lar  spine,  its  anterior  half  composed  of  spinous  rays ;  the 
length  of  its  highest  rays  equal  to  about  one  third  the  length 
of  the  fin  :  posterior  half  of  fin  composed  of  membranous  rays  ; 
length  of  this  portion  equal  to  one  half  the  length  of  spinous 
portion. 

The  Pectorals  commence  on  a  line  with  the  third  Dorsal 
ray  : — length  of  fin  equal  to  one  third  its  height :  the  middle 
rays  the  longest. 

The  Yentrals  arise  just  back  of  the  pectorals  ;  the  first  ray  is 
spinous :  the  second  ray,  the  longest. 

The  Anal's  first  soft  ray  is  equal  to  the  length  of  the  fin : 
the  first  three  rays  spinous. 

The  length  of  the  Caudal  fin  is  one  third  less  than  its  height. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  15,  15 ;  P.  18 ;  V.  1-5 ;  A. 
3-7 ;  C.  19. 


CRYPTACANTHODES.     Nobis. 

Generic  characters.  Body  elongated,  and  very  much  com- 
pressed, gradually  tapering  to  tail,  destitute  of  scales :  head 
broad,  with  no  projecting  spines,  but  the  angles  of  the  gill- 
covers  ; — the  scapular  and  humeral  spines,  and  the  inferi- 
or edge  of  the  pr  coper  culum  prominent  to  the  touch.  Nume- 
rous depressions  in  frontal,  suborbitar,  inferior  maxillary  and 
preopercular  bones  :  branchiostegous  rays  7  ;  mouth  oblique  ; 
a  single  dorsal  fin  composed  of  strong  spinous  rays  enveloped 


28  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS, 

by  a  common  membrane,  runs  nearly  the  entire  length  of  the 
fah,  and  unites  as  well  as  the  anal  with  the  tail.  No  ventral 
fins. 

• 

C.     maculatus.     Nobis.      The  spotted  Wry-mouth. 

Three  specimens  of  a  fish  evidently  belonging  to  the  Buc- 
catce.  Loricatce  have  fallen  under  my  observation,  for  the  recep- 
tion of  which  I  know  of  no  established  genus.  I  am  compel- 
led therefore  to  constitute  a  genus  in  which  it  may  be  placed. 

This  I  do  with  no  slight  reluctance  ;  and,  anxious  only  to 
throw  more  light  upon  this  branch  of  study,  I  shall  feel  highly 
gratified,  should  it  be  received  and  retained  by  succeeding 
Ichthyologists. 

The  first  specimen  met  with,  was  purchased  by  the  "  Boston 
Society  of  Natural  History"  some  years  since,  with  several  other 
species,  and  was  said  to  have  been  taken  in  the  outer  basin  of 
Boston  harbor  :  this  specimen  is  still  in  the  cabinet  of  that  soci- 
ety ;  it  is  about  twenty-one  inches  long,  and  will  serve  for  my 
description.  It  is  of  a  dirty  reddish  white  color,  the  cuticle 
having  been  removed  before  it  was  purchased.  The  second 
specimen,  larger,  of  a  reddish  brown  color  sprinkled  over 
with  dark  brown  blotches,  was  sent  me  by  Mr.  Jonathan  John- 
son Jr.,  of  Nahant,  who  took  it  while  fishing  in  the  vicinity  of 
that  place.  The  third  specimen  was  taken  from  the  stomach 
of  a  haddock,  and  kindly  sent  me  by  Mr.  Holbrook,  fishmon- 
ger in  duincy  Market.  This  last  specimen  was  twelve  inches 
in  length,  of  a  dull  flesh  color,  covered  with  innumerable 
very  minute  black  dots,  and  above  and  beneath  the  lateral 
line,  an  interrupted  row  of  dark  brown  blotches  extended  from 
pectoral  fins  to  tail ;  these  blotches  larger  at  anterior  portion  of 
body,  and  more  numerous  towards  the  tail.  Top  and  sides  of 
head,  snout,  and  anterior  portion  of  underside  of  lower  jaw 
marked  with  moderate  sized  spots  of  a  deeper  brown  than 
those  of  the  back. 

The  specimen  before  me  is  twenty-one  inches  in  length  :  its 
greatest  width  two  and  a  half  inches.  On  each  side  of  top  of 
head,  two  prominent  bony  ridges  run  directly  back  from  pos- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  29 

terior  angle  of  eyes  to  occiput.  At  posterior  angle  of  opercu- 
lum  j  at  same  angle  of  preoperculum  j  the  whole  lower  edge 
of  preopercle  j  the  scapular  bones  ;  all  seem  like  sharp  points 
and  edges  concealed  by  the  skin.  The  operculum  is  of  a  tri- 
angular form,  one  inch  in  length,  bony  beneath  skin,  with  its 
posterior  angle  acute,  united  to  the  preoperculum  by  its  ante- 
rior superior  angle  by  means  of  a  membrane.  Preoperculum 
large  ;  its  superior  and  posterior  angles  obvious  to  the  touch  ; — 
its  lower  edge  sharp,  and  feeling  as  if  it  was  divided  into  two 
ridges.  Eyes  circular  ;  diameter  of  eye  equal  to  half  the  dis- 
tance between  eyes.  Nostrils  tubular,  situated  on  each  side  of 
snout,  just  at  the  edge  of  the  intermaxillary  bones.  Lips  fleshy  ; 
jaws  equal ;  numerous  minute  teeth  in  jaws  and  upon  pala- 
tine bones — mouth  situated  obliquely  ;  Lateral  line  straight, 
looking  like  interrupted  dots. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  on  a  line  above  the  middle  of  the  pec- 
toral fins,  and  is  continued  to,  and  united  with  the  caudal  : 
all  its  rays  are  spinous,  strong,  distinct,  and  concealed  by  a 
common  membrane  :  the  first  few  rays  are  shortest. 

The  Pectorals  arise  beneath  the  membrane  of  the  branchiae, 
as  it  is  connected  with  the  body :  their  length  and  half  their 
height  rounded. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  upon  the  anterior  half  of  body,  and  is 
similar  in  its  form  and  the  character  of  its  rays  and  their  en- 
veloping membrane,  to  the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  appears  almost  like  the  prolongation  of  the 
dorsal  and  anal  fins.  It  is  rounded  at  its  extremity. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  B.  7  ;  D.  77  ;  P.  13  ;  A.  50  ; 
C.  19. 

The  flesh  being  removed  from  the  smallest  of  the  three 
specimens  above  spoken  of,  the  following  appearances  are  pre- 
sented. The  longitudinal  ridges  upon  top  of  head  ;  the  sub- 
orbitar,  inferior  maxillary  and  preopercular  bones,  with  deep 
excavations  or  cavities.  The  angles  of  gill-covers  quite  acute, 
as  also  those  of  scapulae ;  humeral  spine  very  prominent. 
A  single  row  of  teeth,  in  jaws  j  on  sides,  double,  in  front  j  those 


30  FISHES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

in  front,  much  smaller  and  straight ;  those  behind,  recurved. 
Number  of  vertebras,  eighty-nine. 

My  generic  name  is  derived  from  xgvnios,  concealed — and 

spine. 


GASTEROSTEUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Body  without  scales,  more  or  less  plated 
on  the  sides  :  one  dorsal  fin,  with  five  spines  before  it :  ventral 
Jin  with  one  strong  spine,  and  no  other  rays :  bones  of  the 
pelvis  forming  a  shield,  pointed  behind :  branchiostegous 
rays  3. 

G.    Noveboracensis.    Cuv.      The  New  York  Stickleback. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  iv.  p.  502,  pi.  98,  fig.  3. 

I  have  seen  but  three  specimens  of  this  fish,  and  therefore 
conclude  it  cannot  be  as  common  as  the  two  following  species 
of  "  Stickleback."  One  of  these  specimens  was  brought  me  from 
Provincetown,  by  Dr.  Gould ;  another,  was  taken  from  the 
stomach  of  a  codfish,  in  our  market,  by  Mr.  E.  Freeman ;  and 
the  third  was  found  at  Boston,  by  Master  Henry  Parker. 

The  specimen  before  me  is  two  and  a  half  inches  in  length  ; 
all  its  upper  portion,  to  the  lateral  line  on  each  side,  is  of  a 
very  dark  brown  color,  almost  black  ;  beneath,  silvery.  Sides, 
armed  with  strong,  vertical  bony  plates,  upwards  of  thirty  in 
number,  diminishing  in  size  towards  the  tail ;  those  at  poste- 
rior portion  of  the  body,  with  a  lateral  crest,  terminating  at  the 
base  of  the  caudal  fin.  Head,  half  an  inch  in  length.  Diam- 
eter of  eye,  half  a  line.  Lower  jaw  slightly  projecting  beyond 
upper.  Gill-covers  silvery.  Outer  edge  of  Ventral  spine,  ser- 
rated throughout  its  whole  extent ;  serrations  of  the  inner  edge 
scarcely  discernible.  The  second  Dorsal  spine  much  larger 
than  either  of  the  others.  The  posterior  Dorsal  spine  very 
small. 


. 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  31 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  3-11 ;  P.  10  ;  V.  1-1 ;  A. 
1-8 ;  C,  12. 

At  first  sight,  this  resembles  the  "  G.  trachurus."  It  differs, 
however,  in  having  the  dorsal  plates  narrower ;  the  lateral 
keels  of  the  tail  more  prominent,  and  the  lateral  line  nearer 
the  back. 


G.     apeltes.     Cuv.       The  bloody  Stickleback. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.    Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  iv.  p.  505. 

Several  specimens  of  a  species  which  I  suppose  to  be  Cu- 
vier's  "  apeltes"  were  brought  me  by  my  friend  Rev.  J.  L.  Rus- 
sell, from  Salem,  where  he  found  them  in  large  numbers  in 
creeks,  to  which  the  sea  had  access.  Cuvier's  description  is 
very  concise,  and  no  reference  is  made  to  the  color  of  the 
species ;  his  specimens  were  undoubtedly  preserved  in  spirits. 
From  living  specimens,  I  annex  the  following  account : 

Of  eight  specimens  before  me,  the  largest  is  two  inches  in 
length,  and  two  and  three  quarters  lines  in  its  greatest  depth. 
All  above  lateral  line,  of  a  greenish  brown  color — beneath  this 
line,  which  is  very  perceptible,  the  color  is  darker,  and  is 
broken  irregularly  by  the  extension  of  whiteness  of  abdomen. 
In  young  specimens,  the  color  is  distributed  in  four  or  five 
bars,  which  disappear  in  distinctness  in  the  mature  fish. 

Four  moveable  spines  in  front  of  the  dorsal  fin ;  the  first, 
one  half  a  line  in  length ;  the  second,  the  same  length  j  the 
two  last,  shorter ;  the  last,  shortest. 

The  Ventral  spine,  one  line  and  three  quarters  in  length,  is 
serrated  on  its  outer  margin :  from  base  of  ventral  spine,  a 
lateral  spine  passes  almost  to  the  anus.  To  the  under  portion 
of  the  ventral  spine  is  attached  a  reddish  membrane,  which 
makes  this  part  appear  as  if  covered  with  blood,  when  the  fish 
is  suddenly  darting  through  the  water,  with  this  spine  pro- 
jecting. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  3.  1-4  ;  P.  11 ;  V.  1 ;  A.  10  j 
C.  13. 


> 

i 


32  PISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

*         . 

G.    pungitius.     Lin.      The  ten-spined  Stickleback. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.    Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  iv.  p.  506. 
YarrelPs  British  Fishes,  vol.  i,  p.  85. 

This  species  I  also  received  from  Mr.  Russell,  who  found  it 
with  the  preceding.  The  general  description  of  the  "pungitius" 
answers  to  this  species — but  the  appearance  of  the  two  varies 
in  some  particulars. 

Length  of  species  two  inches  and  three  lines  ;  greatest  depth 
two  lines.  Color  grayish,  with  from  six  to  ten  transverse  dark 
bands,  very  distinct  in  some  specimens,  in  others  scarcely  visi- 
ble. In  the  same  specimen,  these  bands  are  much  more  appa- 
rent at  some  moments  than  at  others,  as  the  fish  is  excited  by 
fear  or  other  causes.  Body  beneath,  silvery.  Eyes  nearly  a 
line  in  width  •  pupil,  of  a  deep  black ;  iris,  metallic-colored. 
The  upper  edge  of  Ventral  spine  serrated. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  10-11 ;  P.  11 ;  V.  1 ;  A. 
1-9 ;  C.  13. 

After  death,  this  and  the  preceding  species  become  much 
lighter-colored ;  the  bands  in  a  great  measure  disappear,  and 
the  careless  observer  would  scarcely  believe  he  beheld  the 
same  fishes  as  those  he  had  lately  admired  in  their  native 
beauty. 

In  a  paper  read  before  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  His- 
tory, in  1836, 1  noticed  the  "  Gasterosteus  quadratus,"  Mitchell, 
as  being  found  in  our  waters.  The  specimen  upon  which  I 
founded  this  belief,  was  in  a  mutilated  state,  and  is  still  in  the 
cabinet  of  that  Society.  Having  met  with  no  species  of  "  Gas- 
terosteus" since  that  time,  with  four  dorsal  spines,  save  the 
"opeftes"— and  being  therefore  inclined  to  think  that  that 
specimen  may  be  the  apeltes,  I  am  unwilling  to  assert  that 
the  "quadratus"  is  found  in  our  State. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  33 

FAMILY  III. 
SCIENOIDES. 

OTOLITHUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Head  gibbous,  supported  by  cavernous 
bones :  two  dorsal  fins :  anal  spines  weak,  and  no  cirrhi : 
some  of  the  teeth  are  elongated  hooks,  or  true  canini :  the 
natatory  bladder  has  a  horn  on  each  side,  which  is  directed 
forwards. 

O.     regalis.     Cuv.     Squeteague.     Weak  Fish. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  p.  396,  et  fig. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  v.  67. 
Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  p.  68. 

This  species,  which,  some  years  since,  was  found  in  large 
numbers  about  Nantucket  and  Martha's  Vineyard,  has  of  late 
entirely  disappeared.  During  the  two  seasons  that  my  attention 
has  been  directed  to  our  fishes,  I  have  not  been  able  to  procure 
a  single  specimen.  Dr.  Yale  writes  me  in  October,  1837 ; — 
"  The  squeteague  has  deserted  these  waters,  there  has  not 
been  one  taken  for  three  or  four  years  about  here ,'  they  left 
about  the  time  that  the  blue  fish  came."  Hon.  Hezekiah 
Barnard,  of  Nantucket,  in  a  letter  to  me,  dated  July,  1838, 
remarks  ; — "  The  squeteague,  or  weak  fish,  have  disappeared 
since  the  return  of  the  blue  fish,  who  are  their  avowed  enemy. 
I  have  conversed  with  our  fishermen,  they  say  they  have 
scarce  seen  one  for  six  years."  Thus  it  appears,  that  while 
the  blue  fish  was  absent,  they  were  abundant — and  at  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  blue  fish,  they  left  us. 

Mitchell's  description  of  the  "  Labrus  squeteague"  is  as  fol- 
lows : — "  Size  commonly  from  a  foot  to  fifteen  inches,  but 
often  grows  much  larger.  I  weighed  one,  that  measured 
twenty-seven  inches  in  length  by  seven  in  depth,  and  found 
him  heavier  than  six  pounds.  He  never  goes  into  fresh  streams 
5 


34  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

or  ponds,  but,  within  the  limits  of  the  salt  water,  is  taken  in 
almost  all  the  places  where  rock-fish  is  caught.  The  weak 
fish  is  so  much  the  companion  of  the  basse,  that  I  once  gave 
him  the  specific  name  of  comes.  Head  and  back  brown,  with 
frequently  a  tinge  of  greenish.  The  spaces  towards  the  sides 
faintly  silvery,  with  dusky  specks.  These  gradually  disap- 
pear on  the  sides,  until,  on  descending  to  the  belly,  a  clear 
white  prevails  from  the  chin  to  the  tail.  Mouth  wide.  Jaws 
toothed,  and,  in  the  upper  mandible  one,  two,  or  three  teeth  in 
front,  larger  and  stronger  than  the  rest,  and  resembling  the 
fangs  of  serpents.  Throat,  in  front  of  the  oesophagus,  armed 
above  and  below  with  collections  of  small  teeth.  Eight  softish 
rays  in  the  foremost  Dorsal  fin.  Pectoral,  Dorsal  and  Caudal 
fins,  light  or  pale  brown,  inclining  sometimes  to  yellowish. 
Anal  and  Ventral  fins,  pale  yellow.  Tail,  even.  Lower  jaw 
longer  than  the  upper.  Lateral  line  arched  upwards,  and 
after  its  descent  runs  quite  to  the  extremity  of  the  caudal  fin. 
Tongue  yellow,  with  minute  black  dots  around  the  fore  part ; 
concave,  with  a  soft  and  flexible  margin  ;  has  a  froenum.  The 
swimming  bladder  is  convertible  to  good  glue.  I  have  eaten 
as  fine  blancmange  from  it,  as  from  the  isinglass  of  the  stur- 
geon. He  is  a  fish  of  a  goodly  appearance,  and  is  wholesome 
and  well  tasted,  though  rather  soft.  Is  brought  to  market  in 
great  numbers  during  the  summer  months.  He  is  taken  by 
the  line  and  the  seine.  He  is  called  Weak  fish,  as  some  say, 
because  he  does  not  pull  very  hard  after  he  is  hooked  ;  or,  as 
others  allege,  because  laboring  men,  who  are  fed  upon  him, 
are  weak,  by  reason  of  the  deficient  nourishment  in  that  kind 
of  food. 

Certain  peculiar  noises  under  water,  of  a  low,  rumbling  or 
drumming  kind,  are  ascribed  by  the  fishermen  to  the  Sque- 
teague.  Whether  the  sounds  come  from  these  fishes  or  not,  it 
is  certain  that  during  their  season,  they  may  be  heard  coming 
from  the  bottom  of  the  water ;  and  in  places  frequented  by 
weak  fish,  and.  not  in  other  places;  and  when  the  weak  fish 
depart,  the  sounds  are  no  more  heard. 

Rays:     B.  7;  P.  16;  V.  5;  D.  8-28;  A.  13;  C.  17." 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  35 


UMBRINA.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  The  Umbrina,  besides  the  characters 
common  to  the  Scicena,  has  a  barbule,  or  cirrhus.  at  the  angle  of 
the  lower  jaw  ;  the  spines  of  the  anal  fin  strong  and  sharp  ; 
the  teeth  smaller  and  more  numerous. 

U.     nebulosa.     Mitchell.      The  King  Pish. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  408. 

A  single  specimen  of  this  species,  which  Mitchell  states  to 
grow  to  a  larger  size  than  a  foot  and  a  half,  has  been  met  with 
eight  inches  and  a  half  in  length,  taken  in  a  lobster  pot  at  the 
Boston  light-house.  From  this  specimen,  which  has  belonged 
to  the  cabinet  of  the  "  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History"  for 
several  years,  and  is  at  the  present  moment  in  a  state  of  fine 
preservation,  I  have  drawn  up  the  following  description. 

Body  elongated,  slightly  arched  over  pectorals,  gradually 
tapering  towards  tail,  of  a  dull  gray  color,  with  silvery  reflec- 
tions upon  sides,  ornamented  with  irregularly  disposed  dark 
bars  ;  some,  passing  obliquely  forwards  from  the  dorsal  fin  ; 
others,  passing  obliquely  backwards  from  nape  of  neck ;  and 
one  broader  one,  pursues  a  straight  course  backwards  through 
the  middle  of  the  body,  from  extremity  of  pectorals  to  the  tail. 
Body  beneath,  yellowish. 

Length  of  head  two  inches,  covered  with  scales  smaller 
than  those  upon  body  :  head  slightly  flattened  between  eyes  ; 
rounded  upon  occiput :  somewhat  depressed  back  of  snout. 
Snout  blunted,  projecting  two  lines  beyond  upper  jaw.  Eyes 
of  moderate  size  :  their  diameter  equal  to  one  half  the  distance 
between  eyes.  Nostrils  directly  in  front  of  eyes  :  the  poste- 
rior larger,  situated  obliquely  beneath,  and  in  front,  of  anterior 
inferior  angle  of  eye  :  at  the  anterior  inferior  angle  of  this  ori- 
fice, is  situated  the  anterior  nostril,  which  is  very  small  and 
circular.  Mouth  of  moderate  size  :  lips  fleshy :  jaws  filled 
with  numerous,  very  small  teeth :  upper  jaw  the  longer :  a 


i  <    . 

I 

i* 

36  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

small  fleshy  cirrhus  is  suspended  from  chin.  Preoperculum 
serrated  at  its  posterior  margin  :  more  sparsely  so,  beneath.  A 
small  concealed  spinous  point  is  observed  at  posterior  portion 
of  operculum.  Lateral  line  very  distinct,  curving  with  the 
body. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  just  back  of  the  pectorals ;  its  first  ray 
is  a  minute  spine  :  the  second  fleshy  ray  is  much  the  longest 
of  all ;  this  ray  is  nearly  twice  as  high  as  the  length  of  the 
fin.  The  extremities  of  the  rays  are  black. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  of  the  color  of  the  abdomen  ;  of  equal 
height  throughout  its  entire  length  ;  one  sixth  less  high  than 
long.  It  extends  to  within  half  an  inch  of  caudal  rays. 

The  Pectorals  are  above  black  j  beneath,  color  of  abdomen  j 
length  less  than  one  third  their  height. 

The  Ventrals  arise  in  front  of  posterior  half  of  pectorals ; 
their  general  color  like  the  pectorals ;  extremities  margined 
with  white. 

The  Anal  fin  is  situated  in  the  middle  of  the  body ;  longer 
than  high  j  color  of  abdomen. 

The  Caudal  is  lunated ;  a  little  higher  than  long. 

The  fin  rays  are  D.  9.  26  j  P.  19  ;  V.  5  ;  A.  10 ;  C.  17. 


FAMILY  IV. 
SPAROIDES. 

S  ARGUS.       CUV. 

Generic  characters.  Trenchant  incisors  in  front  of  jaws, 
almost  similar  to  those  of  man. 

S.     ovis.     Mitchell.      The  Sheep's  Head. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  v.  i.  p.  392. 

This  species,  so  elaborately  described  and  eulogized  by 
Mitchell,  is  occasionally  taken  in  our  waters  south  of  Cape 
Cod.  Thomas  A.  Greene,  Esq.  of  New  Bedford,  informs  me 


, 
FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  37 

it  is  sometimes  sold  in  that  market.     Not  having  met  with  a 
specimen,  I  copy  the  description  of  Mitchell : 

"  With  smutty  face,  banded  sides,  pale  complexion,  promi- 
nent eyebrows,  and  grooved  spinous  dorsal  fin.  Weighs  four- 
teen or  fifteen  pounds.  One  that  weighed  four  pounds  and  a 
half,  measured  twenty  inches  in  length,  eight  in  depth,  and 
three  in  thickness.  The  form  of  the  mouth,  and  a  certain 
smuttiness  of  the  face,  have  a  distant  resemblance  to  the  phys- 
iognomy of  the  sheep.  Thence  comes  the  name  by  which  he 
is  usually  distinguished.  Teeth  covered  by  the  lips  which 
are  large  and  distinct.  Four  incisors  in  each  jaw,  and  two 
other  teeth  situated  next  to  them,  one  on  each  side,  that  may 
be  considered  as  canine.  The  former  are  straight,  the  latter 
are  rather  turned  inwards.  Within,  and  beyond  these,  two  or 
three  rows  of  round  topped  grinders,  making  a  bony  pavement 
as  it  were,  inside  of  the  mouth.  No  cirrhus  or  roughness  of 
any  kind  on  the  head,  neck  or  snout.  Lower  jaw  shorter  than 
the  upper.  Nostrils  double.  Eyes  large,  vertical,  brown,  and 
connected  by  a  prominent  brow.  Head  united  to  the  body 
without  any  proper  neck.  Gill-covers  broad  and  smooth  ; 
opening  ample.  From  a  scaly  spot  a  little  above  the  branchial 
aperture,  proceeds  a  colored  and  curved  streak  to  the  withers. 
A  single  dorsal  fin,  strong  and  spinous,  lowering  into  a  deep 
furrow  the  greatest  part  of  its  course.  The  expanded  tail 
measures  six  inches  across,  and  is  nearly  concave,  or  almost 
lunated.  A  scaly  process  near  the  insertion  of  the  ventral  fin. 
Lateral  line  almost  corresponds  with  the  arch  of  the  back,  and 
radiates  prettily  on  the  scales  over  which  it  passes.  General 
color  of  the  sheep's  head  a  white,  or  obscure  silvery,  with  a 
smutty  daubing  over  the  face  and  chin,  a  greenish  tinge  above 
the  brow,  and  six  or  seven  dark  bands  or  zones,  of  an  inch  or 
more  in  breadth,  regularly  slanting  from  back  to  belly ;  the 
latter  a  dull  white,  approaching  in  some  places  and  individuals 
to  cream  color.  Scales  large,  horny,  distinguished  by  radiated 
and  concentric  lines,  and  somewhat  like  a  square  rounded  a 
little  at  the  corners.  They  are  deeply  inserted  into  the  skin  ; 


38  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

adhere  with  remarkable  firmness ;  and  when  they  are  sepa- 
rated, there  is  discoverable,  on  the  edges  of  the  skin,  which 
enclosed  them,  a  sort  of  tarnished  argentine  or  brightish  leaden 
hue.  Rays  of  all  the  fins  coarse.  The  pectorals  are  long  and 
pointed.  Tongue  white  and  smooth. 

The  intestines  of  the  individual  I  last  dissected  were 
lengthy,  convoluted,  and  filled  with  the  fragments  of  several 
sorts  of  crabs.  Swimming  bladder  capacious  and  thick.  Pe- 
ritoneum, on  opening  the  abdomen,  blackish.  Two  patches  of 
teeth  in  the  upper  part  of  the  throat,  and  two  smaller  corres- 
ponding patches  on  the  lower  part,  a  short  distance  in  front  of 
the  entrance  of  the  gullet.  But  all  of  these  are  very  inferior 
in  strength  and  size  to  those  of  the  mouth. 

Rays  :  B.  4 ;  V.  6  ;  P.  6  ;  D.  24 ;  A.  13  ;  C.  19." 


PAGRUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Body  deep,  compressed  :  dorsal  Jin  sin- 
gle, the  rays  partly  spinous,  the  posterior  flexible :  four  or  six 
strong  conical  teeth  in  front,  supported  by  smaller  conical  teeth 
behind  them,  with  two  rows  of  rounded  molar  teeth  on  each  side 
of  both  jaws. 

P.     argyrops.    Lin.      Big  For  gee.    Scapaug.    Scup, 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i,  p.  404. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  vi.  p.  164. 

This  species,  which  Mitchell  describes  in  his  "History  of  the 
Fishes  of  New  York,"  as  the  "  Labrus  versicolor."  Cuvier  con- 
siders the  same  as  the  "Sparus  Argyrops."  L.  It  is  taken  in 
large  quantities  in  Buzzard's  Bay  and  the  Vineyard  Sound,  but 
has  not  been  met  with  in  Massachusetts  Bay  until  within  the 
last  five  or  six  years.  At  New  Bedford  and  Holmes  Hole,  it 
is  one  of  the  most  common  species  in  the  harbors,  and  is  used 
more  than  any  other  fish  when  fresh.  At  the  latter  place,  it  is 
taken,  from  the  first  of  June  until  the  middle  of  October,  with 


PISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  39 

the  hook ;  after  that  date,  in  the  ponds,  with  spears  and  nets. 
Within  a  few  years,  small  numbers  have  appeared  north  of  the 
Cape,  and  are  now  yearly  captured  at  Wellfleet  and  Sandwich. 
Mr.  Newcomb,  Jr.,  fishmonger  in  Gluincy  market,  informs  me, 
that  about  six  years  since,  a  fishing-smack  brought  from  New 
Bedford  a  cargo  of  these  fishes  alive  to  Boston  market :  a  por- 
tion of  them  were  purchased  by  subscription  among  the  fish- 
ermen in  the  market,  and  thrown  into  the  harbor*  the  next 
season,  two  specimens  were  caught  from  our  wharves :  in  the 
summer  of  1835,  one  specimen  was  captured  at  Nahant,  and 
was  considered  a  very  strange  fish,  no  specimen  having  been 
known  to  have  been  seen  there  before :  in  the  summer  of 
1836,  Mr.  Johnson,  of  whose  kindness  I  have  had  occasion 
frequently  to  speak,  sent  me  another  specimen  taken  at  Nahant. 
As  no  specimens  had  ever  been  taken  so  far  north  before,  and 
as  the  few  taken  would  lead  to  the  inference  that  those  which 
had  been  transplanted  from  Buzzard's  Bay  had  not  bred  in 
the  cold  waters  of  this  portion  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  we  are 
led  to  believe  the  specimens,  taken  immediately  around  Boston, 
were  of  the  number  of  those  originally  brought  from  the  south. 

The  length  of  this  fish  is  from  eight  to  twelve  inches  ; 
length  of  head,  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  entire  fish  j  depth 
of  body  across  from  base  of  pectorals,  equal  to  one  third  its 
length ;  width  of  body  at  base  of  tail,  equal  to  one  twelfth  its 
length. 

Body  very  much  compressed  at  sides ;  back  gibbous,  gradu- 
ally curving  towards  tail.  General  color,  a  beautiful  silvery, 
varying  with  brown,  reddish  and  blue.  Abdomen  white. 
Head  destitute  of  scales,  and  of  a  purplish  color  from  the  com- 
mencement of  the  gibbosity  just  over  the  eyes,  to  upper  and 
outer  angle  of  eyes  on  each  side,  and  thence  within  a  line 
drawn  from  this  part  to  the  outer  angle  of  jaws.  Eyes  large  ; 
irides  silvery.  Loioer  jaw  shorter  than  the  upper.  Two  rows 
of  blunt  teeth  in  back  of  jaws — those  in  front,  sharp  and 
prominent.  Lips  large  and  loose.  Nostrils  double — the  ante- 
rior, smaller  and  circular ;  the  posterior,  larger  and  vertical. 
Preoperculum  and  operculum  covered  with  scales.  A  large 


40  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

semicircular  scale  of  a  beautiful  purple  color,  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  lateral  line :  between  this  scale  and  the  outer 
angle  of  the  naked  space,  at  the  posterior  angle  of  the  eye,  a 
band,  half  an  inch  or  more  in  width,  of  smaller  scales  than 
those  of  the  body,  passing  obliquely  upwards  to  the  anterior 
portion  of  the  ridge  of  the  back.  The  lateral  line,  commencing 
at  the  upper  angle  of  the  operculum  and  passing  obliquely  up 
to  a  point  0n  a  line  with  the  fifth  spine  of  the  dorsal  fin,  curves 
with  the  body  to  the  base  of  the  tail. 

The  Dorsal  fin,  composed  of  twenty  rays,  twelve  spinous, 
twelve  membranous,  is  received  into  a  deep  groove  at  its  base  ; 
when  this  fin  is  not  erect,  the  spines  are  scarcely  visible,  so 
completely  do  they  shut  into  this  groove.  Of  the  spines  of 
the  dorsal  fin.  the  third  is  the  longest ;  delicate  filaments  are 
suspended  from  the  extremities  of  the  first  three  spines.  Less 
than  two  lines  in  front  of  the  first  dorsal  spine  when  erect,  lies 
a  strong  spine  projecting  forwards,  almost  entirely  enveloped 
by  the  skin. 

The  Pectoral  fin,  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  body,  com- 
mences on  a  line  with  the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Yentral  fin  with  six  rays. 

The  Anal  fin  shuts  into  a  groove  like  the  dorsal,  and  like 
that  fin  is  clouded  with  black  spots.  The  three  first  rays  of 
anal,  spinous. 

The  Caudal  fin  forked. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  D.  24 ;  P.  15  ;  V.  6  j  A.  15  ; 
C.  17. 

Mitchell  describes  this  species  as  having  twenty-six  rays  in 
the  dorsal  fin :  the  specimens  I  have  seen,  had  each  but  twen- 
ty-four. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  41 


FAMILY  VII. 
SCOMBEROIDES. 

SCOMBER.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Scales  on  the  body  small  and  smooth  ; 
vertical  fins  not  bearing  scales  ;  two  dorsal  fins  ividely  separated  ; 
some  of  the  posterior  rays  of  the  second  dorsal  and  the  anal  fin 
free,  forming  finlets  ;  sides  of  the  tail  slightly  carinated ;  one 
row  of  small  conical  teeth  in  each  jaw  ;  the  parts  of  the  gill 
cover  without  denticulations  or  spines  ;  branchiostegous  rays  7. 

S.     vernalis.     Mitchell.      The  Spring  Mackerel. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  42. 

Cuv.  et  Valeuc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  viii.  p.  48. 

Fauna  Boreali.  Americana,  p.  80. 

Mitchell  describes  under  the  specific  names  of  "  grex"  and 
"  vernalis"  the  common  mackerel  of  our  coast.  Cuvier,  although 
he  admits  both  in  his  great  work,  considers  them  as  the  same  ; 
and  Richardson  remarks,  "  the  only  differences  between  S.  grex 
and  vernalis,  seem  to  be  in  their  size  and  color,  and  they  are 
very  probably  different  ages  of  the  same  species."  I  have  ex- 
amined with  much  care  the  mackerel  which  are  brought  to 
cur  market,  and  the  differences  are  too  slight  between  them  to 
constitute  distinct  species. 

This  species  is  taken  on  our  coast,  from  the  latter  part  of 
May,  in  nets,  in  small  numbers,  until  about  the  tenth  of  June, 
when  it  readily  takes  the  hook,  and  is  brought  to  market  the 
remainder  of  the  season  in  large  quantities.  Although,  as 
fresh  fish,  mackerel  are  sold  in  the  markets  along  our  whole 
coast,  for  several  months  in  the  year,  and  are  considered  by  all} 
excellent  food,  (from  6  to  8000  barrels  being  sold  annually  in 
Boston  market  alone,)  their  great  value  to  this  people,  arises 
from  the  means  of  employment  afforded  to  an  immense  num- 
ber, by  the  process  of  salting  and  packing. 
6 


42  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS, 

Those  packed  in  1836,  were  furnished  by  the  following 
towns : 

Boston,    -  40,559  barrels. 

Gloucester  and  Manchester,  43,937 

Newburyport  and  Newbury,  21,463 

Wellfleet,  17,500 

Provincetown,  14,139 

Hingham,  13,882 

Cohasset,  11,700 

Barnstable,  4,115 

Scituate,  3,782 

Yarmouth,  2,446 

Salem  and  Beverly,  -  2,394 

Plymouth,  1,477 

Lynn,   /-   ;  1,400 

Duxbury,  1,000 

Charlestown,     -  822 

At  the  prices  these  fish  were  worth  in  November,  1836,  the 
value  of  the  year's  fishing  amounts  to  1,264,012  dollars. 

The  whole  number  of  barrels  of  mackerel  inspected  in  Mas- 
sachusetts for  the  five  years;  from  1832  to  1836  inclusive,  are 
as  follows  : 

1832,— 224,000  barrels  ;  1833,— 225,000  ;  1834,— 253,000  ; 
1835,— 197,000  ;  1836,— 180,616. 

Although  it  would  seem,  from  the  above  table,  that  a 
smaller  quantity  of  mackerel  had  been  packed  in  1836,  than 
the  several  years  immediately  preceding  it,  yet  it  cannot  be 
inferred  from  this  circumstance  that  fewer  vessels  were 
engaged,  or  that  the  business  was  considered  less  important 
than  before.  In  some  years,  immense  shoals  of  these  fishes 
are  readily  met  with,  and  the  vessels  return  in  a  few  weeks 
with  full  cargoes ;  while  the  same  localities  may  be  visited  at 
other  seasons,  and  the  efforts  of  the  fisherman  prove  fruitless, 
and  his  fare  meagre. 

So  peculiar  are  the  habits  of  this  genus,  that  oftentimes 
weeks  may  pass,  the  fishing  smacks  be  surrounded  by  millions 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  43 

sporting  upon  the  surface  of  the  ocean,  and  scarce  one  allow 
itself  to  be  taken,  while  again,  the  success  of  a  few  days  will 
retrieve  the  disappointments  of  nearly  a  season. 

Thus  a  fisherman  informs  me,  that  the  last  season,  (1837) 
having  been  at  the  bay  of  Chaleur,  and  taken  but  few  fish, 
the  vessel  to  which  he  belonged,  was  returning  home,  when, 
off  Cape  Cod,  the  fish  were  so  numerous  and  voracious,  that  the 
crew,  consisting  of  ten  men,  captured  in  two  hours,  nearly 
thirty  barrels  of  them.  At  this  time  about  two  hundred  smacks 
were  together,  and  they  were  all  equally  successful,  some  of 
them  taking  even  forty  barrels  of  fish. 

After  being  carefully  inspected,  these  fish  find  a  ready  mar- 
ket in  Philadelphia,  New  York,  Baltimore  and  New  Orleans, 
and  from  this  last  port  they  are  sent  over  the  entire  western 
country.  Those  of  inferior  quality  are  shipped  to  the  West 
India  islands. 

I  have  not  been  able  to  learn  with  accuracy  the  number  of 
vessels  engaged  exclusively  in  this  fishery  •  in  many  towns, 
the  same  vessels  are  used  at  different  seasons  of  the  year  for 
the  cod  as  well  as  the  mackerel  fishery.  I  have  ascertained, 
however,  that  there  were  two  hundred  and  two  vessels  employed 
in  this  fishery,  in  1836,  in  the  county  of  Barnstable,  and  that 
of  this  number,  ninety-eight  belonged  to  Provincetown,  which 
were  valued  at  $147,000. 

Several  of  our  most  intelligent  fishermen  inform  me,  that  the 
difficulty  of  taking  mackerel  is  yearly  increasing,  from  the 
barbarous  custom  prevailing  of  gaffing  them,  of  collecting 
them  around  vessels  by  means  of  throwing  out  bait,  and  then 
suddenly  drawing  up  an  instrument  armed  with  numerous 
sharp  iron  points,  by  which  many  are  captured,  and  greater 
numbers  are  cruelly  maimed  without  being  taken. 

By  the  "  Statistical  Tables,"  drawn  up  by  the  Secretary  of 
State,  from  the  reports  of  the  assessors  of  the  different  towns 
upon  the  various  branches  of  industry,  it  appears,  that  the 
numler  of  barrels  of  mackerel  taken  in  the  year  1837,  with 
their  prices,  were  as  follows  : — Whole  number  of  bbls.  234,059  ; 
value,  $1,639,042.  Taken  by  the  following  Counties:— 


44  FISHES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

Barnstable  Co.,  76,036— valued  at  $490,638;  Essex  Co., 
69,599  =  $518,663  ;  Suffolk  Co.,  43,266  =  $320,165  ;  Ply- 
mouth Co.,  25,258  =  $179, 748;  Norfolk  Co.,  18,450  =  $120,- 
528;  Middlesex  Co.,  1000  =  $6000 ;  Bristol  Co.,  450  = 
$3300. 

My  description  of  the  species  is  from  a  specimen  seventeen 
inches  in  length.  Upper  part  of  body  of  a  dark  green  color, 
marked  throughout  its  whole  extent,  from  occiput  to  tail,  with 
beautiful  transverse,  undulating  bands  of  a  deeper  hue,  com- 
mencing on  side  of  dorsal  ridge  and  extending  below  the  lat- 
eral line.  Sides  white,  with  cupreous  reflections.  Abdomen 
white.  The  Very  narrow  lateral  line  commences  directly  back 
of  humeral  bone,  on  a  line  above  the  origin  of  the  pectoral  fin, 
and  pursues  a  gently  undulatory  course  to  the  base  of  the  tail : 
this  line  is  very  distinct,  being  slightly  prominent.  Beneath 
the  lateral  line  on  the  side,  is  a  fuliginous  line,  much  wider 
than  the  lateral  line,  which  arises  at  the  pectoral  fin,  and  trav- 
erses the  length  of  the  fish  ;  the  space  between  these  two  lines, 
of  a  duller  color  than  the  side  beneath. 

Length  of  entire  fish  to  length  of  head,  as  17  to  3J.  Top 
of  head,  of  a  dark,  almost  black  color,  produced  by  longitudi- 
nal, broad,  broken  bands,  passing  backwards  from  the  snout, 
and  a  large  black  blotch  extending  backwards  towards  the  gill- 
covers,  from  the  occiput.  Eyes  large,  their  diameter  equal  to 
three  fourths  the  distance  between  eyes  :  pupils  black  ;  irides 
silvery.  Eyes  protected  by  a  nictitating  membrane.  The 
portion  of  head  directly  back  of  eyes,  cupreous.  Gill-covers 
and  maxillary  bones,  silvery.  Intermaxillary  bones  dark  fu- 
liginous— angle  of  jaws  dusky.  Inferior  margin  of  preopercu- 
lum,  marked  by  a  row  of  minute  mucous  pores.  Gape  of 
mouth,  moderate*  Jaws  and  palatine  bones  armed  with  a  sin- 
gle row  of  very  minute  teeth.  The  whole  interior  of  lower 
jaw.  and  anterior  portion  of  upper  jaw,  fuliginous.  Tongue, 
a  dull  silvery  color. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin,  composed  of  strong  rays,  of  which,  the 
second  and  third  are  the  longest,  arises  on  a  line  opposite  the 
posterior  half  of  the  pectoral  fins :  the  length  of  this  fin  is 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  45 

hardly  greater  than  its  height.  When  unexpanded,  it  is  en- 
tirely concealed  in  a  groove  at  its  basewk 

The  second  Dorsal,  situated  upon  trre  posterior  half  of  the 
body,  is  of  a  fuliginous,  color,  margined  with  white  ;  its  length 
to  its  height  is  nearly  as  3  to  1 ;  back  of  this  second  dorsal, 
occupying  the  space  between  it  and  the  tail,  are  five  finlets, 
the  fifth,  longest. 

The  Pectoral  fins  of  a  dark  color,  having  beneath  them  a 
black  blotch,  arise  back  of  upper  third  of  operculum — their 
length  to  their  height  as  1  to  3. 

The  Ventral  fins  arise  back  of  pectorals,  and  likewise  have 
beneath  them  a  black  spot  at  their  base  ;  save  the  tinge  given 
them  by  this  spot,  they  are  of  a  flesh  color.  The  first  ray  is 
very  strong ;  all  the  rays  are  subdivided  at  their  middle,  and 
again  divided  into  smaller  portions  at  their  extremities. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  directly  back  of  the  anus,  which  is  situ- 
ated opposite  the  origin  of  the  second  dorsal.  At  the  com- 
mencement of  this  fin,  is  a  short  spine ;  this  fin  is  shorter 
than  the  second  dorsal,  and  of  the  same  color  as  the  abdomen. 
Back  of  this  fin  are  six  finlets ;  that  next  the  anal  fin,  appear- 
ing at  first  sight  to  be  a  portion  of  the  fin. 

At  base  of  Caudal,  two  longitudinal  carinse,  extending  the 
whole  length  of  the  fleshy  portion  of  the  tail :  the  outer  rays 
of  the  caudal  fin,  much  the  longer ;  their  articulations  very 
obvious  ;  fin  deeply  forked  •  extremities  margined  with  white  ; 
distance  between  extremities  of  caudal  rays,  between  three  and 
four  inches. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  10-12  ;  P.  17  ;  Y.  5  ;  A.  12 ; 
C.  20. 


i 

S.     colias.     Gmel.      The  Spanish  Mackerel. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  viii.  39,  pi.  209. 
Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  i.  131  et  pi. 

This  is  a  rare  species  upon  our  coast ;  some  seasons  they  are 
scarcely  seen  at  all.  It  is  generally  known  by  our  fishermen 
as  the  "  Spanish  Mackerel." 


46  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

. 

Length  of  specimen  before  me,  eleven  inches:  depth  two 
inches.  Form  elongated,  very  round  and  plump,  tapering 
towards  tail  at  the  origin  of  which  it  is  very  small.  Upper 
part  of  body  of  a  light  green  color,  tyith  numerous  contig- 
uous beautifully  undulating  lines  of  a  darker  green  passing 
down  the  sides  and  just  crossing  the  lateral  line,  immediately 
beneath  lateral  line,  of  a  dull  bluish  color,  with  indistinct  cir- 
cular brown  blotches.  Abdomen  lighter  colored,  but  as  well 
as  the  sides,  presenting  cupreous  reflections.  Head,  two  and 
a  half  inches  in  length  j  flattened  above  ;  compressed  on  sides  ; 
rather  pointed  at  snout.  Eyes  large  ;  full ;  pupils  black  ;  hi- 
des silvery.  Nostrils  double ;  the  posterior,  vertical,  just  in 
front  of  'eyes  ;  anterior,  circular,  in  front  of  posterior,  equal  to 
the  distance  between  posterior  and  eye :  diameter  of  eye, 
rather  less  than  the  distance  between  eyes.  Superior  portion 
of  preoperculum  cupreous ;  inferior  portion  of  it,  as  of  oper- 
culum  and  maxillaries.  silvery.  Tongue  pointed,  greenish  with 
a  metallic  tint.  Jaws  equal ;  crowded  with  minute  teeth. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  arises  opposite  the  posterior  third  of  the 
pectoral  fins  ;  transparent  •  its  first  ray  upon  its  outer  edge,  and 
the  spaces  between  the  tips  of  the  rays  margined  with  black  ; 
the  second  ray  longest ;  the  tips  of  all  slightly  projecting  be- 
yond the  membrane. 

The  second  Dorsal  commences  back  of  the  first,  at  a  greater 
distance  than  the  length  of  first  dorsal  :  fin  shorter  than  pre- 
ceding ;  rays  short,  covered  by  a  thick  membrane  :  five  fin- 
lets  back  of  second  dorsal  •  the  fifth,  deeply  divided,  appearing 
like  two. 

The  Pectorals  just  beneath,  and  on  a  line  with  the  lateral 
line  :  length  about  one  half  their  height :  slightly  dusky :  at 
base  above,  a  small  black  blotch  which  is  hardly  perceived, 
unless  fin  is  raised. 

The  Ventrals  just  in  front  of  first  dorsal  j  elongated ;  red- 
dish white. 

At  origin  of  Anal  fin  a  small  spine  is  observed.  The  Anal 
fin  is  opposite  the  second  Dorsal,  and,  like  it,  has  five  finlets, 
resembling  those  of  the  back. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  47 

The  Caudal  fin  is  yellowish,  deeply  forked  ;  two  lateral  cari- 
nse  at  base. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  9-12  ;  P.  19 ;  V.  5  ;  A.  13  ; 

C.  22. 


THYNNUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Form  of  the  body  like  that  of  the 
Mackerel,  but  less  compressed  ;  numerous  scales  surrounding 
the  thorax  :  first  dorsal  fin  extending  nearly  to  the  second : 
second  dorsal  and  the  anal  Jin  subdivided  posteriorly,  forming 
numerous  finlets  ;  sides  of  the  tail  decidedly  curvated  ;  a  sin- 
gle row  of  small  pointed  teeth  in  each  jaw  ;  branchiostegous 
rays  7. 

T.     vulgaris.     Cuv.      The  Common  Tunny. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iv.  234  et  fig. 
Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  ii.  144. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  viii.  p.  58. 
Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  v.  i.  p.  134  et  fig. 

This  must  be  a  very  rare  species  in  the  waters  of  this  State. 
I  have  met  with  only  one  specimen  ;  this  was  taken  Septem- 
ber 4th,  1838,  near  Kettle  Island,  between  Marshfield  and 
Cape  Ann,  with  a  large  sized  cod-hook,  baited  with  a  "  menha- 
den" while  fishing  for  the  "  codling"  or,  as  it  is  improperly  call- 
ed, "  hake."  The  Portsmouth  Journal  noticed  another  individ- 
ual taken  the  last  season,  at  Pigeon  Cape,  near  Cape  Ann,  fifteen 
feet  in  length,  and  weighing  about  one  thousand  pounds. 
With  respect  to  this  specimen,  the  writer  remarks :  "  after  pre- 
paring two  barrels  of  the  fish  for  Boston  and  New  York,  the 
remainder  was  sold  in  our  market,  and  many  of  our  citizens 
were  enabled  to  feast  themselves  on  its  most  delicate  meat, 
resembling  much  in  appearance  lean  pork,  and  the  best  of 
mackerel  in  taste."  This  species  is  taken  in  large  numbers  in 
the  Mediterranean  ;  and  its  flesh  has  been  long  celebrated  for 
its  delicacy.  Occasionally  specimens  are  taken  upon  the 
coast  of  Great  Britain,  upon  the  Cornish  Coast,  upon  the 


48  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

islands  west  of  Scotland  ;  and  it  has  been  taken  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Thames.  That  it  is  not  every  whejre  held  in  the  same 
estimation  as  by  the  Sicilians  or  even  our  Portsmouth  friends, 
is  evident  from  the  following  extracts  from  "Alexander's  Nar- 
rative of  a  Voyage  of  Observation  among  the  Colonies  of  Wes- 
tern Africa"  1838.  Visiting  the  Market  at  Funchal,  the  capi- 
tal of  Madeira,  he  remarks,  "  in  the  market  f  observed  some 
large  tunny ,  junks  of  which,  resembling  red  beef,  were  cut  up 
with  huge  knives,  like  small  scythes,  and  sold  for  a  mere 
trifle."  On  the  coast  of  New  England,  this  fish  is  called  "  horse- 
mackerel"  and  "  albicore."  It  is  seldom  seen  ;  never  noticed  in 
shoals,  as  in  the  Mediterranean. 

The  specimen  I  had  an  opportunity  of  examining  was  pub- 
licly exhibited  here,  and  was  visited  by  several  of  my  scien- 
tific friends. 

Entire  length  nine  feet  and  three  inches  :  two  feet  deep 
across  base  of  pectorals  :  fifteen  inches  in  depth  across  base  of 
anal  fin  ;  and  four  inches  deep  at  base  of  caudal  fin.  Form 
elongated  ;  gradually  sloping  from  beginning  of  dorsal  to  snout, 
and  tapering  from  dorsal  to  tail.  Color  of  whole  upper  part 
nearly  black  :  sides  silvery  :  beneath  white.  Scales  on  back, 
in  front  of  first  dorsal,  at  base  of,  and  beneath  pectorals,  very 
large. 

Length  of  head,  two  feet  three  inches ;  jaws  equal  when 
closed ;  tongue  large,  broad,  black ;  all  inside  of  mouth  dark 
colored  ;  gape  of  mouth  very  large  ;  eyes  circular  ;  pupils  black  j 
irides  golden,  with  greenish  reflections  :  distance  between  eyes, 
one  foot.  Gill-covers,  very  large,  perfectly  smooth,  of  a  sil- 
very gray  color. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  two  feet  three  inches  back 
of  tip  of  snout ;  its  rays  are  very  strong  j  the  first  ray  nine 
inches  long  ;  they  gradually  diminish  in  length  ;  the  last  being 
scarcely  perceptible.  The  rays  are  of  a  fuliginous  color  ;  while 
the  connecting  membrane  is  nearly  black.  This  fin  shuts  en- 
tirely into  a  groove,  which,  at  its  origin,  is  one  and  a  half 
inches  deep  ;  when  the  fin  is  uriexpanded,  it  is  perfectly  invisible. 

The  second   Dorsal  is  of  a  reddish  brown   color;  twelve 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  49 

inches  in  height ;  five  in  length  :  this  fin  resembles  a  very 
strong  membrane,  similar  to  the  fins  of  the  Sharks,  it  being 
almost  impossible  to  count  the  rays  :  nine  finlets  between  this 
and  the  tail,  of  a  bright  yellow  color,  dark  at  base,  and  upon 
anterior  edge. 

The  Pectoral  fins  are  falciform  ;  of  the  same  color  as  gill- 
covers  ;  five  inches  long  •  sixteen  inches  high. 

The  Ventral  fins  are  composed  of  very  strong  rays,  situated 
in  a  groove  at  their  base  just  beneath  pectorals  ;  above,  black  ; 
beneath,  white  ;  eleven  inches  high  ;  two  inches  long. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  six  inches  back  of  the  second  dor- 
sal ;  and  is  similar  in  appearance  to  that  fin  :  the  rays  cannot 
be  counted  on  account  of  their  compactness  :  fin  fifteen  inches 
high  ;  five  inches  long  :  nine  finlets,  color  of  the  dorsal  j  and, 
like  them,  the  middle  longest. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  lunated  :  seven  inches  high  in  its  middle  ; 
measuring  two  feet  five  inches  across  its  extremities.  At  its 
base,  a  lateral  carina,  which  is  continued  on  to  tail,  seven 
inches  long  ;  one  and  a  half  inches  high.  On  each  side  of  the 
portion  of  it  which  is  upon  tail,  two  smaller  carinae  are  situ- 
ated, three  inches  in  length,  between  these  and  the  former, 
depressions  are  thus  produced. 

The  fin  rays  so  far  as  practicable  to  be  counted,  are  about 
as  follows  :  D.  14-13  ;  9  finlets ;  P.  34 ;  V.  1-5 ;  A.  2-12  ; 
9  finlets  ;  C.  19. 


PELAMYS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.     Distinguished  from  the  Tunnies  solely 
by  their  separate,  pointed.,  and  strong  teeth. 

P.     sarda.     Bloch.      The  Skip  Jack. 

Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  428. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t.  viii.  p.  149,  pi.  217. 

This  species  is  by  our  fishermen  incorrectly  called  "  Bonito. 
The  true  "  Bonito"  is  a  "  Thynnus,"  Cuv.     I  have  examined 

*  r       . 


50  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

two  fine  specimens  of  this  fish  ;  one,  nineteen  inches  long,  was 
sent  me  by  Dr.  Yale,*  from  Holmes  Hole.  He  informs  me, 
that  for  the  last  six  or  eight  years,  this  species  has  been  fre- 
quently met  with  at  the  Vineyard,  and  is  readily  taken  with 
trailing  bait.  The  second  specimen  I  have  seen,  measured 
twenty-one  inches  in  length.  It  is  at  once  distinguished  from 
any  other  of  the  family  in  our  waters,  by  its  ash-colored  abdo- 
men ;  dull  greenish  back,  and  oblique  and  transverse  dark 
bands. 

From  the  latter  specimen,  I  draw  up  the  following  descrip- 
tion :  color  of  head  and  upper  part  of  body,  a  greenish  brown  : 
sides,  lighter  ;  abdomen,  silvery  white.  Body  smooth  ;  a  broad 
oblique  patch  of  minute  scales  is  observed  just  above  the  pec- 
toral fins,  commencing  at  posterior  extremity,  and  widening 
towards  occiput :  minute  scales  situated  along  the  sides  of  dor- 
sal ridge,  looking  like  small  papillas  longitudinally  arrayed. 
Ten  or  twelve  dark  colored  bands  pass  obliquely  downwards 
and  forwards  from  the  dorsum  towards  abdomen  :  the  first  of 
these  bands  commence  at  the  posterior  extremity  of  the  dorsal 
fin ;  the  last,  at  the  origin  of  the  caudal  fin.  Some  of  these 
bands  pass  very  low  down  upon  sides,  even  to  abdomen.  Be- 
sides these,  several  indistinct  lighter  colored  bands  cross  the 
body  transversely.  Lateral  line  arises  high  up  on  the  back, 
and  pursues  a  pretty  undulatory  course,  until  about  on  a  line 
with  anal,  from  whence  it  goes  straight  to  caudal  fin.  Length 
of  head,  four  inches  and  three  quarters  :  top  of  head,  dark 
greenish  brown  :  gill-covers  silvery,  marked  with  fuliginous. 
Gape  of  mouth  large.  Tip  of  upper  jaw  scarcely  projecting 
beyond  the  lower  :  jaws  and  palatine  bones  with  a  single  row 
each  of  sharp,  recurved,  prominent  teeth  :  upon  the  middle  of 
lower  jaw  are  four  teeth  ;  the  anterior  two  quite  small,  the  pos- 
terior the  largest  in  the  jaws  :  the  palatine  bones  are  very 
small.  Diameter  of  eye  equal  to  one  third  the  distance  be- 
tween eyes :  pupils  black  ;  irides,  silvery. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  on  a  line  just  back  of  pos- 
terior angle  of  operculum ;  its  second  ray  is  highest ;  color  of 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  51 

fin  light,  with  dull  patches ;  the  posterior  short  rays  almost 
concealed  in  a  groove  upon  the  back,  when  unexpanded. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  longer  than  high ;  back  of  this  fin  are 
eight  finlets,  the  third  and  fourth  of  which  are  longest. 

The  Pectoral  fins  arise  just  in  front  of  first  dorsal — of  a  dark 
color  above,  lighter  beneath  ;  as  high  again  as  long. 

The  Yentrals  commence  back  of  pectorals  ;  are  darker  colored 
next  to  abdomen.  When  unexpanded,  these  fins  shut  into  a 
depression,  partially  formed  upon  abdomen. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  on  a  line  opposite  the  first  dorsal  finlet  ; 
is  a  little  longer  than  high,  white,  with  fuliginous.  Back 
of  anal,  seven  finlets ;  the  posterior,  smaller.  Anus  small, 
directly  in  front  of  the  anal  fin.  A  thick,  fleshy  carina  on 
each  side  of  the  fleshy  portion  of  tail  j  on  each  side  of  posterior 
part  of  this,  two  quite  small,  obtuse  carinae  run  directly  back 
across  the  middle  of  caudal  fin,  causing  quite  a  depression  be- 
tween them. 

The  Caudal  fin  lunated,  of  a  dirty  bluish  color ;  length  of 
exterior  rays,  compared  to  distance  between  extremities  when 
expanded,  as  3  to  5J. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  20-14 ;  P.  24  ;  V.  6  ;  A. 
14 :  C.  24. 


XIPHIAS.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Body  fusiform,  covered  with  minute 
scales  ;  a  single  elongated  dorsal  fin  ;  ventral  fins  wanting  ; 
tail  strongly  carinated ;  upper  jaw  elongated,  forming  a 
sword  ;  mouth  without  teeth  ;  branchiostegous  rays  7. 

X.     gladius.     Lin.       The  Sword  Fish. 

Pen.  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  141. 

Strack's  plates,  21.  1. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  ii.  148. 

Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t  viii.  p.  255. 

YarrelPs  British  Fishes,  vol.  i.  143. 


52  FISHES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

Although  this  species  is  not  included  by  Richardson,  in  his 
"  Fauna,"  on  account  of  its  presence  on  the  American  coast 
not  having  been  ascertained  with  certainty  by  those  who  had 
referred  to  it,  it  is  frequently  met  with  in  our  waters,  and  is 
becoming  quite  an  article  of  commerce  with  us.  It  is  generally 
discovered  by  the  projection  of  its  dorsal  fin  above  the  surface 
of  the  water,  as  it  is  pursuing  shoals  of  mackerel,  upon  which 
it  feeds,  about  15  or  20  miles  from  the  shore  of  Martha's  Vine- 
yard. The  fishermen  capture  it  by  means  of  an  instrument 
called  a  "  lily  iron,"  from  the  form  of  its  shafts  or  wingsr 
which  resemble  the  leaves  of  a  lily.  This  instrument  is  thrown 
like  a  harpoon  with  great  force  into  the  fish,  the  attempt  al- 
ways being  made  to  wound  the  animal  in  front  of  the  origin  of 
the  dorsal  fin.  When  wounded,  it  sometimes  frees  itself  from 
the  iron  by  its  struggles ;  and  has  been  known  to  dive  with  so 
much  force  towards  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  as  to  drive  its  sword 
throughout  its  whole  extent  into  the  sand  or  mud,  which  was 
proved  by  its  appearance  when  taken.  When  unmolested,  it 
not  unfrequently  is  observed  to  spring  several  times  its  length 
forwards,  several  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  water. 

The  flesh  of  this  fish  when  salted  is  eaten,  and  preferred 
by  many  to  that  of  several  other  species.  The  cod-fishers  at  No- 
man's  Land,  being  disappointed  the  last  season  in  their  usual  av- 
ocation, directed  their  attention  to  the  taking  of  the  sword  fish7 
and  were  quite  successful  in  their  efforts.  About  200  barrels 
are  annually  taken  at  Martha's  Vineyard,  which  are  either  sold 
fresh,  or  cut  into  slices  and  pickled  or  salted,  and  kept  for  sale 
in  that  state  throughout  the  year.  It  sells  for  from  three  to 
four  cents  per  pound. 

From  a  specimen  kindly  sent  me  by  Dr.  Yale,  which  was 
taken  August  29,  1838,  between  Gay  Head  and  Block  Island, 
by  Mr.  Warren  Cleavelarid,  I  have  drawn  the  following  de- 
scription : 

Back  and  upper  part  of  sides,  of  a  sky-blue  color ;  beneath, 
silvery  gray.  Surface  smooth.  Entire  length,  twelve  feet 
five  inches  ;  depth  across,  from  origin  of  anal  fin,  fifteen  inches. 
Length  of  head,  from  posterior  edge  of  operculum  to  point  of 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  53 

lower  jaw,  twenty-two  inches ;  length  of  upper  jaw  or  sword, 
beyond  the  point  of  lower  jaw,  three  feet  five  inches.  Jaws 
without  teeth.  Gill-covers  silvery  brown.  Upper  part  of 
sword,  dark  brown,  almost  black,  having  a  dorsal  ridge,  within 
which  is  a  groove.  Under  portion  of  sword,  lighter  colored, 
smooth,  with  a  velvety  feel.  The  two  anterior  feet  of  sword 
have  a  bony,  perfectly  smooth  edge.  Widest  portion  of  upper 
jaw,  five  and  a  half  inches  ;  jaw  gradually  terminates  in  a 
point.  Eyes  very  moveable  in  their  orbits,  three  and  a  half 
inches  in  diameter ;  distance  between  eyes,  eight  inches. 
Branchiae  composed  of  four  pairs  of  large  parallel  laminae,  and 
one  smaller  one. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  nearly  on  a  line  with  the  pos- 
terior edge  of  the  operculum.  It  is  strongly  falciform  j  twen- 
ty-two inches  high,  eighteen  inches  long.  But  eighteen  rays 
are  obvious  ;  the  whole  dorsal  ridge  between  them  and  within 
six  inches  of  base  of  tail,  destitute  of  fin  rays ;  and  in  their 
place,  a  shallow  groove  the  whole  extent,  supporting  a  slight 
membranous  elevation.  Six  inches  in  front  of  base  of  tail,  a 
small  fin  four  inches  high,  one  inch  long,  composed  of  three 
rays,  looking  like  the  adipose  fin  of  the  "  Salmonides"  or  the 
finlets  of  many  of  the  "  Scomber  oldest 

The  Pectoral  fin,  also,  is  falciform,  eighteen  inches  high, 
six  inches  long  ;  above,  almost  black  ;  beneath,  color  of  abdo- 
men. 

The  Anal  fin  is,  like  the  preceding,  falciform  ;  sixteen  inches 
high,  ten  inches  long.  The  extremity  of  this  fin  terminates  on 
a  plane  with  the  termination  of  dorsal,  and  is  formed  like  that. 
This  small  portion  is  three  inches  high,  and  one  long.  Fin, 
color  of  the  abdomen. 

At  base  of  tail,  a  transverse  furrow  three  inches  long  and 
two  thirds  of  an  inch  wide.  On  each  side  of  base  of  tail,  a 
lateral  carina  three  inches  high,  eight  inches  long,  three 
inches  back  of  dorsal,  extending  three  inches  on  the  caudal  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  deeply  forked ;  twenty-nine  inches  high, 
eight  inches  long,  six  inches  high  in  its  middle. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows:  D.  18-3;  P.  15;  A.  11-3; 
C.  17. 


54  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

* 
The  common  sizepf  this  fish  is  from  l?-to  15  feet  in  length, 

and  weighing  from  300  to  400  pounds,  although  it  sometimes 
is  taken  considerably  larger. 

Although  a  species  of  "  Xiphias"  has  been  known  for  many 
years  to  frequent  our  coast,  I  am  not  aware  that  it  has  been 
examined  by  any  of  our  scientific  men,  save  by  my  friend 
John  B.  S.  Jackson,  M.  D.  of  this  city,  who  kindly  loaned  me 
his  rough  notes  of  a  specimen  exhibited  here  in  1833.  From 
these  notes  it  appears,  that  the  "  specimen  was  taken  by  cod- 
fishers,  from  a  small  dory,  about  twenty  miles  from  Boston,  not 
far  from  Marshfield,  and  near  the  Western  Banks.  It  was 
drawn  up  with  much  difficulty  with  cod  hook  and  line,  and 
then  speared.  Whole  length,  11  feet  4  inches.  Length  of 
sword,  4  feet.  Weight,  650  pounds." 

In  looking  over  the  plates  of  this  fish,  one  is  surprised  at  the 
great  dissimilarities  between  them  j  and  could  he  think  that 
each  plate  had  been  drawn  from  a  recent  specimen,  he  would 
be  compelled  to  conclude  there  must  be  more  than  one  species. 
But,  as  in  many  other  instances,  they  are  probably  poor  copies 
of  each  other  ;  those  points  only  being  particularly  attended  to, 
which  seem  to  the  copier  most  important.  In  Pennant's 
"  British  Zoology,"  the  whole  interval  between  the  commence- 
ment and  extremity  of  the  dorsal  fin  is  occupied  by  an  im- 
mense number  of  minute  rudiments  distinct  from  each  other. 
While  the  figure  of  S  track  exhibits  but  seventeen  prominent 
rays  between  the  extremities,  connected  by  a  membrane.  The 
anal  also,  differs  much  in  the  two  figures.  In  the  specimen  I 
have  just  described,  it  will  be  remembered  that  not  the  slight- 
est rudiment  of  a  ray  was  distinguishable  upon  the  dorsal  ridge 
back  of  the  eighteenth  ray,  until  within  six  inches  of  the  base 
of  the  tail.  Yarrell  figures  a  young  specimen,  showing  that 
there  is  but  one  dorsal  fin,  which  occupies  the  whole  length  of 
the  back,  from  the  gill-covers  to  within  a  short  distance  of  the 
tail.  If  the  reason  offered  by  Cuvier  for  the  disappearance  of 
the  greater  portion  of  the  dorsal  fin  be  true,  viz.,  "  the  middle 
of  it  being  worn  with  age,  gives  it  the  appearance  of  being 
double,"— and  of  Yarrell,  "but  the  portion  of  the  fin  intenne- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  55 

diate  between  the  two  ends  is  so  slight  that  it  is  easily  torn, 
or  even  entirely  worn  away  by  use  during  life," — if  this  ex- 
planation be  correct,  it  is  not  a  little  singular,  that  the  appear- 
ance of  the  entire  dorsal  ridge  should,  in  my  specimen,  have 
been  so  uniform :  no  rays  partially  worn  or  broken  in  the  in- 
terval between  the  extremities,  as  we  should  suppose  would  be 
produced  by  a  gradual  change,  but  an  entire  absence  of  rays, 
from  the  eighteenth,  which  is  perfect,  to  the  posterior  rays, 
which  are  also  all  perfect. 

Yarrell  observes,  that  the  edges  of  the  sword  are  "  finely 
denticulated."  In  that  portion  of  the  edge  of  the  sword  before 
me  which  is  perfect,  it  is  entirely  smooth  ;  the  greater  portion 
of  the  edge  is  broken  at  intervals  irregularly,  unnaturally,  evi- 
dently by  use. 


TRACHINOTUS.     Lacepede. 

Generic  characters.  Free  spines  on  the  back,  and  two  oth- 
ers, also  free,  before  the  anal ;  body  elevated,  and  the  tail  ivith- 
out  the  lateral  carince  ;  profile  vertical ;  and  the  dorsal  and 
anal  fins  tapering  to  points  more  or  less  long. 

T.     argenteus.     Guv.      The  Rudder  Fish. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t  viii.  p.  413. 

Dr.  Yale  sent  me  from  Holmes  Hole,  three  specimens  of  a 
fish,  generally  known  at  the  Vineyard  by  the  name  of  "  rudder 
fish,"  which,  after  considerable  hesitation,  I  have  concluded  to 
be  the  "  T.  argenteus"  Cuv.  The  smallest  specimen,  two 
inches  in  length,  answers  perfectly  to  the  figure,  in  Mitchell's 
"  Fishes  of  New  York,"  incorrectly  called  by  him  "  Cory- 
phcena  hippurus"  This  small  specimen  was  taken  at  a  wharf 
at  Holmes  Hole.  The  two  large  specimens  were  caught  about 
fifteen  miles  from  land.  Dr.  Yale  writes  me,  that  "  this  fish 
is  generally  found  at  sea,  but  is  common  in  oar  waters.  It 
follows  vessels,  or  keeps  near  old  casks  or  plank  that  are  float- 


56  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

ing,  and  sometimes  is  found  about  the  wharf  logs  in  our  har- 
bor." 

Of  the  specimens  lying  before  me,  the  largest  is  eight  inches 
in  length.  Body  oblong,  compressed  upon  sides ;  back  arch- 
ing abruptly  over  the  eyes  ;  of  a  bluish  white  upon  sides,  look- 
ing as  if  covered  with  black  dots,  owing  to  the  dark  outline  of 
the  scales ;  body  beneath,  of  a  dull  white  color.  (In  the 
smallest  specimen,  which  must  be  quite  a  young  fish,  the  color 
is  a  dark  brown,  variegated  with  yellow  patches.)  Head,  one 
fourth  the  length  of  body ;  diameter  of  eye,  one  fourth  the 
length  of  head.  A  bony  ridge  over  eyes.  Operculum  large, 
naked,  of  a  homy  texture,  margined  by  a  membrane.  Preo- 
perculum  strongly  serrated  throughout.  A  depression  upon 
top  of  head,  between  eyes  ;  distance  between  eyes,  rather 
greater  than  diameter  of  eye.  Nostrils  directly  in  front  of 
eyes  ;  the  posterior,  much  the  larger.  The  upper  jaw  at  snout 
descends  abruptly ;  jaws  of  equal  length,  with  small,  sharp 
teeth.  The  lateral  line  commences  high  above  operculum, 
and  curving  over  pectorals  to  their  extremities,  pursues  a 
straight  course  to  tail. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  back  of  a  line  opposite  posterior 
angle  of  operculum,  and  is  continued  to  fleshy  portion  of  tail. 
Seven  spines  precede  the  fleshy  rays  of  the  dorsal ;  the  poste- 
rior is  connected,  throughout  almost  its  entire  height,  to  the 
membrane  of  the  dorsal  j  the  preceding  ones  are  nearly  free,  or 
rather  have  a  membrane  attached  to  their  lower  portion,  but 
which  does  not  pass  high  up  the  spines. 

The  Pectorals  are  beneath  the  posterior  angle  of  the  opercu- 
lum ;  less  than  one  third  as  long  as  high,  of  a  dark  brown 
color. 

The  Ventrals  are  one  fourth  of  an  inch  long  ;  their  outer  ray, 
spinous. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  just  in  the  middle  of  the  body,  and  is 
nearly  as  long  again  as  high  ;  color  of  the  dorsal.  This  fin  is 
preceded  by  three  spinous  rays,  the  first  of  which  is  free. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  quite  deeply  lunated. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  57 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  5.  2-22  ;  P.  19  ;  V.  1-5  ; 
A.  1.  2-17 ;  C.  20. 

Although  there  are  three  spines  before  the  anal,  but  one  of 
these  can  be  said  to  be  free ;  of  the  remaining  two,  the  second 
is  more  free  than  that  next  the  fin. 


TEMNODON.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Tail  unarmed ;  a  small  fin,  or  free 
spines  before  the  anal ;  the  first  dorsal  is  very  slight  and  low, 
the  second  and  the  anal  covered  with  small  scales  ;  but  their 
principal  character  consists  in  a  range  of  separate,  pointed  and 
trenchant  teeth  in  each  jaw  ;  behind  these,  above,  is  a  row  of 
small  ones,  and  the  vomer,  palatine  and  tongue  are  furnished 
ivith  others,  very  small  and  crowded.  The  operculum  termi- 
nates in  two  points,  and  there  are  seven  rays  in  the  branchice. 

T.     saltator.     Cuv.      The  Blue  Fish. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  424,  et  fig. 
Cuv,  et  Vulenc.  Hist.  Nat.  des.  Poiss,  t.  ix.  p.  231. 

This  species  described  by  Dr.  Mitchell  as  the  "Scomber plum- 
beus,"  and  called  the  "  horse  mackerel"  by  the  vulgar,  is  better 
known  in  those  portions  of  our  state  where  it  is  taken,  as  the 
•"  blue  fish."  Many  years  since  it  was  held  in  high  estimation 
by  the  aborigines  of  our  country.  For  about  fifty  years  it  disap- 
peared from  our  coast,  as  may  be  learned  from  the  following 
passages,  extracted  from  a  journal  of  the  first  settlement  of  the 
island  of  Nantucket,  written  by  Zaccheus  Macy,  in  1792,  and 
contained  in  the  third  volume  of  the  '-Massachusetts  Historical 
Collections."  In  this  account,  notice  is  taken  of  a  great  pesti- 
lence which  attacked  the  Indians  of  that  Island  in  1763  and 
1764,  with  such  mortality,  that  of  the  whole  number  358,  222 
died.  He  adds  :  "  Before  this  period,  and  from  the  first  com- 
ing of  the  English  to  Nantucket,  a  large  fat  fish  called  the 
blue  fish,  twenty  of  which  would  fill  a  barrel,  was  caught  in 
great  plenty  all  round  the  island,  from  the  1st  of  the  6th  till 
8 


58  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

the  middle  of  the  9th  month.  But  it  is  remarkable  that  in 
the  year  1764,  the  very  year  in  which  the  sickness  ended,  they 
all  disappeared,  and  that  none  have  been  taken  since."  Occa- 
sionally, for  the  last  twenty  years,  a  few  straggling  specimens, 
very  small,  have  been  taken,  but  they  were  rarely  seen  until 
within  the  last  ten  years  ;  during  this  latter  period  they  have 
gradually  increased  in  number,  and,  generally  speaking,  have 
been  of  a  much  larger  size  than  when  they  were  first  observed. 
Now,  they  visit  the  coast  south  of  Cape  Cod,  at  Nantucket, 
and  New  Bedford,  and  Holmes  Hole,  in  large  numbers,  and  are 
occasionally  captured  weighing  fourteen  pounds.  It  is  caught 
from  shore  by  throwing  a  drail — a  hook  fixed  into  a  piece  of 
bone  or  ivory,  and  sometimes  pewter,  something  in  the  form 
of  a  fish,  with  brass  wire  around  the  line  next  it,  to  prevent  its 
being  bitten  off  by  the  strong  jaws  of  the  fish  •  they  are  also 
caught  in  a  boat  under  sail  with  a  good  breeze,  the  line  drag- 
ging behind  ;  and  they  have  been  taken  with  a  seine — thus  in 
a  number  of  the  Nantucket  Enquirer,  July  8th,  1837,  I  find 
the  following  :  "  a  few  days  since,  there  were  caught  at  one 
haul,  241  blue  fish,  108  scuppaugs  or  poggies,  28  basse  and  19 
shad,  in  all  396  fish,  weighing  about  half  a  ton."  On  the  25th 
October.  1837,  a  specimen  of  this  species,  weighing  about 
three  pounds,  was  taken  at  Green  Island,  by  Mr.  Morgan,  of 
that  place,  and  sent  to  Mr.  Newcomb,  Jr.  of  Quincy  Market  ; 
this  is  the  only  specimen  I  have  known  to  be  taken  in  Massa- 
chusetts Bay.  In  its  flavor,  this  fish  resembles  the  mackerel, 
and  is  highly  esteemed  by  many  as  an  article  of  food  :  but  it 
is  excessively  fat,  and  cannot  always  be  borne  by  the  stomach. 
.  In  the  early  part  of  summer  it  is  very  lean  :  towards  the  latter 
part  of  summer  and  the  commencement  of  autumn,  it  is  in  a 
state  of  perfection  for  the  epicure.  By  the  kind  attentions  of 
the  Hon.  Hezekiah  Barnard,  of  Nantucket ;  George  B.  Emer- 
son, Esq.,  President  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  His- 
tory ;  and  Dr.  Yale,  I  have  rhad  an  opportunity  of  examining 
several  specimens.  To  the  first  of  these  gentlemen,  I  am  in- 
debted for  much  of  the  information  obtained  respecting  this 
species. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  59 

The  following  description,  I  have  drawn  up  from  a  specimen 
fifteen  inches  in  length.  Depth  of  body  across  on  a  line  with 
base  of  pectorals,  three  inches.  Length  of  head  three  inches 
six  lines.  All  upper  part  of  body  of  a  bluish  color  ;  lower 
part  of  sides,  as  well  as  of  abdomen,  whitish.  A  large  black  spot 
at  base  of  pectoral  fins.  Head  above,  naked.  Nostrils  double, 
terminating  in  the  same  cavity  ;  anterior  orifice  circular,  and 
situated  directly  in  front  of  posterior,  which  is  larger  and 
placed  horizontally.  Jaws  with  prominent,  sharp,  lancinated 
teeth ;  the  lower  jaw  has  but  one  row  of  these ;  the  upper, 
besides  a  similar  row  with  the  under  jaw,  has  a  row  of  very 
small  teeth,  back  of  these.  A  row  of  very  minute  teeth  at 
base  of  tongue  ;  also  small  teeth  upon  vomer  and  palatine 
bones.  Eye,  five  lines  in  dameter  ;  irides  yellowish.  Oper- 
cnlum  terminated  in  two  points,  which  do  not  amount  to 
spines.  The  lateral  line  commences  just  above  posterior  angle 
of  operculum,  and  curving  with  the  body,  terminates  at  the 
base  of  the  rays  of  the  caudal  fin.  Fins  covered  with  scales. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  is  composed  of  seven  spinous  rays  ; 
these,  when  not  erect,  are  received  into  a  groove  at  their  base. 

The  Anus  is  one  half  inch  in  front  of  Anal  fin. 

Width  of  tail  when  expanded,  is  more  than  five  inches. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  B.  7  ;  D.  7-26  ;  P.  17 ;  V.  6  ; 
A.  28  ;  C.  19. 


PEPRILUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Form  compressed  ;  small  and  slightly 
apparent  scales  under  a  satiny  epidermis  ;  snout  obtuse  and 
non-protractile  ;  a  single  dorsal  fin,  preceded,  as  well  as  the 
anal,  by  a  horizontal,  partially  concealed  spine.  The  pelvis 
forms  a  trenchant  and  pointed  blade,  before  the  anus,  that 
might  be  taken  for  a  vestage  of  ventrals.  Besides  the  ordinary 
lateral  line,  there  is  a  stria  on  the  flank,  which  has  been  con- 
sidered as  a  second  one. 


60  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

.«     , 
P.     triacanthus.     Peck.      The   Three-opined  Peprilus. 

Memoirs  of  the  American  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,  v.  ii.  p.  48,  et  fig 
Mitchell,  Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  York,  p.  365,  et  fig. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  Hist.  Nat,  des  Poiss. 

In  1794,  Peck  read  a  description  of  this  fish,  which  he  ac- 
companied with  a  very  fair  figure,  to  the  "  American  Academy," 
under  the  name  of  "  Stromateus  triacanthus"  This  paper  was 
published  in  the  year  1804.  In  1814,  Dr.  Mitchell  read  his 
paper  upon  the  "  Fishes  of  New  York,"  to  the  "  Literary  and 
Philosophical  Society"  of  that  state,  and  the  next  year  this 
paper  was  published  in  that  society's  Transactions :  in  his 
paper,  he  describes  the  species  under  consideration,  with  the 
specific  name  of  "  cryptosus"  Mitchell's  name  is  retained  by 
Cuvier  in  the  Notes  tohis"Regne  Animal."  Dr.  Mitchell 
would  never  thus  have  neglected  Peck  had  he  been  aware  of 
the  existence  of  his  paper.  Our  duty  is  clear  ;  and  we  cheer- 
fully prefix  the  name  given  it  by  its  first  describer  :  his  des- 
cription is  very  accurate,  and  his  name  is  equally  appropriate. 

This  species  is  not  uncommon  in  our  waters :  it  is  generally 
taken  in  nets,  arid  is  considerably  used  as  bait  for  the  "  striped 
basse"  by  our  fishermen  :  being  a  very  oily  fish,  it  is  found  ser- 
viceable as  manure,  for  which  purpose  it  is  used  upon  some 
portions  of  Cape  Cod.  I  have  known  a  single  specimen  to  be 
taken  from  one  of  the  wharves  in  this  city. 

From  a  specimen  before  me  nine  and  a  half  inches  long,  and 
three  inches  deep  across  from  anus,  I  make  the  following  des- 
cription. Body  ovate,  very  much  compressed  ;  being  more  so 
towards  tail.  Of  a  lead  color  upon  back  •  lighter  on  sides  ;  sil- 
very upon  abdomen.  Length  of  head  two  inches,  gradually 
arched  from  snout  above  :  arch  of  back  continued  to  spine  at 
origin  of  dorsal  fin.  Eyes  circular,  one  half  inch  in  diameter  ; 
pupils  black  ;  irides  silvery.  Nostrils  small,  three  lines  in  front 
of  eyes  ;  anterior,  circular  ;  posterior,  a  vertical  fissure.  Mouth 
moderate  in  size  ;  jaws  equal  in  length,  at  their  edges  present- 
ing a  large  number  of  very  minute,  equal,  compact  serrations 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  61 

or  teeth  ;  tongue,  spotted  with  brown.  Gill-covers  silvery, 
with  cupreous  reflections.  The  lateral  line  which  is  very  well 
marked,  commences  just  back  of  the  posterior  angle  of  oper- 
culum,  and,  arching  backwards,  curves  with  the  back  to  the 
upper  part  of  the  fleshy  portion  of  the  tail.  A  slight,  depressed, 
straight  line,  destitute  of  scales,  is  seen  passing  from  the  origin 
of  the  lateral  line  to  the  middle  of  the  fleshy  portion  of  tail ; 
and  another  line,  similar  in  its  appearance  to  the  last,  passes 
from  inferior  base  of  pectorals,  curving  with  the  abdomen  to 
the  lower  part  of  fleshy  portion  of  tail,  corresponding  in  its 
course  with  the  lateral  line.  These  lines  gradually  disappear 
after  death.  At  the  side  of  the  dorsal  fin,  commencing  at  its 
origin,  and  terminating  towards  its  posterior  half,  are  situated 
between  twenty  and  thirty  small  circular  black  punctures, 
which  give  it  a  very  characteristic  appearance  :  these  orifices 
are  mucous  ducts.  At  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin  a  small 
naked  horizontal  spine  points  forwards. 

The  Dorsal  fin  of  the  same  color  as  the  sides  of  the  body 
commences  half  of  an  inch  back  of  the  pectorals,  and  is  con- 
tinued to  the  fleshy  portion  of  the  tail :  the  rays,  posterior  to 
the  eleven  first,  are  considerably  shorter,  and  are  continued  to 
the  extremity  of  about  equal  length. 

The  Pectorals  are  slightly  lighter  than  the  dorsal :  length  to 
height  as  3  to  19. 

The  Anus  is  a  small  fissure  just  in  front  of  anal  spine.  Three 
lines  in  front  of  anus,  is  a  small  horizontal  spine  pointing  back- 
wards, the  posterior  point  of  the  pelvis. 

The  Anal  fin  has,  at  its  origin,  a  horizontal  naked  spine 
also,  pointing  forwards  like  that  before  the  dorsal :  this  fin 
arises  just  back  of  a  line  opposite  the  origin  of  dorsal,  and  ter- 
minates upon  the  same  plane  with  it :  it  is  formed  like  the 
dorsal,  but  is  not  so  high. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  of  the  color  of  the  pectorals,  and  is  deeply 
forked  :  height  of  rays  two  and  a  half  inches  :  length  of  fin.  one 
half  inch  j  depth  of  fins,  when  the  extremities  are  expanded,  two 
inches. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  D.  45  ;  P.  21 ;  A.  43  j  C.  20. 


62  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

-» 

FAMILY  XL 
MUGILOIDES. 

ATHERINA.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Body  rather  elongated  ;  two  dorsal  fins 
widely  separated;  ventral  fins  placed  far  behind  the  pectorals  ; 
sides  with  a  broad,  longitudinal,  silver  band ;  teeth  minute ; 
branchiostegeous  rays,  6. 

A.     Boscii.     Cuv.      The  small  Silver  Side. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  1.  446,  et  fig. 
Cuv.  et  Valenc.  His.  Nat.  des  Poiss.  t,  x.  p.  465. 

The  several  species  of  foreign  Atherinae,  are  known  by  the 
names  "Atherine"  "Sand  Smelts"  and  "Anchovies"  and  are 
much  valued  as  articles  of  food.  This  species  was  described  by 
Mitchell,  in  his  "  Fishes  of  New  York,"  under  the  name  of 
"  notata"  I  have  seen  but  two  specimens  :  one,  was  sent 
me  from  Holmes  Hole,  by  Dr.  Yale ;  the  other  was  found  by 
Dr.  Gould,  at  Provincetown. 

The  specimen  lying  upon  my  table,  is  four  inches  in  length : 
its  greatest  depth  is  one  inch  and  a  half.  Body  elongated,  of  a 
reddish  brown  color,  with  a  broad  silvery  band  arising  at  base 
of  pectorals,  and  continued  to  caudal  rays.  Length  of  head 
five  lines,  flattened  on  top.  Eyes  circular,  one  line  in  diame- 
ter ;  pupils  black,  irides  golden  •  distance  between  the  eyes  rather 
more  than  one  line.  Jaws  equal  in  length,  armed  with  very 
small  teeth  ;  gill-covers  golden. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  arises  six  lines  back  of  the  pectorals. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  lighter  colored  than  the  body,  and  dis- 
tant three  lines  from  the  first  dorsal. 

The  Pectorals  commence  directly  back  of  the  upper  part  of 
the  operculum  ;  length  less  than  one  third  of  height ;  color  of 
back  ;  upper  rays  double  the  length  of  the  lower. 

The  Ventrals  arise  on  a  line  with  posterior  extremities  of  the 
pectorals,  and  are  five-rayed. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  63 

The  Anal  fin  is  situated  just  back  of  the  origin  of  second 
dorsal  j  as  long  again  as  high. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  quite  deeply  forked ;  lighter  colored  than 
the  other  rays. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  4-9 ;  P.  12  ;  V.  5  ;  A.  25  ; 
C.  17. 


FAMILY  XII. 
GOBIOIDES. 

PHOLIS.     Artedi. 

Generic  characters.  Long,  equal,  and  closely  set  teeth,  form- 
ing but  a  single  and  regular  range  in  each  jaw,  terminated 
behind,  in  some  species,  by  a  longer  and  hooked  tooth.  The 
head  is  obtuse,  the  muzzle  short,  and  the  forehead  vertical ; 
the  intestines  broad  and  short. 

P.     subbifurcatus.     Nobis.      The  subbifurcated  pholis. 

I  have  seen  but  a  single  specimen  of  this  fish  ;  it  was  found 
at  an  unusually  low  tide  among  the  sea-weed  at  Nahant.  and 
brought  to  me  by  my  brother-in-law,  Thomas  M.  Brewer,  M.  D. 

Specific  characters.  Dorsal  fin  extending  to  the  tail ;  fila- 
ments upon  the  nostrils;  three  dark  colored  bands  passing  from 
the  eyes  ;  lateral  line  subbifurcated. 

Length,  including  tail,  five  inches  five  lines  ;  depth  across, 
on  a  line  with  the  anus,  one  inch  ;  body  much  compressed. 
General  color  of  body,  reddish  brown ;  several  lighter  colored 
circular  patches  along  its  upper  part,  at  the  base  of  the  dorsal 
fin  ;  the  spaces  between  the  rings  darker  than  the  rest  of  the 
body,  giving  the  appearance  of  bars.  Body  beneath  the  late- 
ral line,  lighter  colored ;  abdomen  yellowish  white.  Body 
smooth,  scales  very  minute.  Length  of  head,  from  tip  of 
snout  to  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum,  is  to  the  whole 


64  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

i 

length  of  body  as  1  to  3  ;  above,  brownish  j  operculum  and 
preoperculum  yellow  ;  entire  surface  destitute  of  scales ;  jaws 
somewhat  protractile,  armed  with  prominent,  sharp  teeth  ;  lips 
large  and  fleshy ;  over  nostrils  a  minute  filament  one  third  of  a 
line  in  length  ;  circumference  of  eye,  two  lines  ;  from  beneath 
eye,  a  broad  black  band,  wider  at  its  base,  crosses  obliquely  the 
operculum  ;  two  other  bands  of  the  same  color  extend  from 
behind  eye  backwards,  in  nearly  a  straight  line,  the  distance 
of  from  one  to  two  lines.  The  lateral  line  commences  just 
above  the  angle  of  the  operculum,  and,  having  extended  two 
lines,  subbifurcates  ;  passing  down  in  a  gradual  curve  a  little 
more  than  a  line,  it  is  continued  in  a  straight  course  to  the 
base  of  the  caudal  fin  ;  while  the  upper  portion  abruptly  ter- 
minates opposite  the  fourteenth  ray  of  the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Dorsal  fin,  commencing  on  a  line  with  the  posterior 
angle  of  the  operculum,  is  continued  to  the  caudal  fin  j  the  first 
five  rays  of  this  fin  are  shorter  than  the  sixth  ;  the  rays  be- 
come again  shorter  as  they  approach  the  tail  ;  numerous  black 
spots  upon  this  fin  :  those  larger  upon  the  first  five  rays. 

The  Pectorals  three  lines  long,  of  a  light  color,  with  some 
darker  shades,  are  rounded ;  they  arise  on  a  line  with  the  pos- 
terior angle  of  the  operculum,  and  also  the  commencement  of 
the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  two  lines  in  front  of  pectorals; 
rays  are  united  throughout  the  greater  portion  of  their  extent ; 
extremities  free. 

Anus  situated  two  and  a  half  inches  from  extremity  of  jaws. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  just  half  way  between  tip  of  snout 
and  extremity  of  tail ;  its  edge  is  dark  colored. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  rounded :  small  dark-colored  spots  upon 
this  fin,  as  well  as  upon  pectorals. 

The  number  of  fin  rays  as  follows  :  D.  43  ;  P.  13  ;  V.  3  ; 
A.  30 ;  C.  14. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  65 


MURAENOIDES.     Laccpede. 

Generic  characters.  Head  small,  muzzle  obtuse;  body 
elongated,  smooth,  scales  minute,  covered  with  a  mucous  secre- 
tion ;  dorsal  fin  extending  the  whole  length  of  the  back,  the 
rays  simple ;  ventral  fins  very  small ;  teeth  small,  pointed, 
detached. 

M.    guttata.     Lacepede.      The  spotted  Gunnel. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iv.  p.  183. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  p.  176. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  i,  p.  239,  et  fig. 

This  pretty  little  species,  which  is  also  called  abroad  "  butter 
fish,"  from  the  slime  with  which  it  is  covered,  is  found  at  low 
tide  upon  the  beaches,  beneath  stones  and  sea-weed ;  it  is  ex- 
ceedingly difficult  to  retain  in  the  hand  after  it  is  captured,  on 
account  of  its  slipperiness  and  agility.  It  is  common  at  Na- 
hant,  Holmes  Hole,  and  probably  along  our  entire  sea-coast. 
I  have  found  it  in  the  stomach  of  the  "  Anarrhicas  lupus," 
and  "  Cottus  Virginianus,"  and  it  is  undoubtedly  eaten  by 
many  other  fishes. 

This  fish  is  sometimes  met  with,  twelve  inches  in  length. 
It  is  of  a  yellowish  brown  color,  presenting  a  waved  appear- 
ance, with  twelve  or  more  ocelated  black  spots  along  the  base 
of  the  dorsal  fin,  surrounded  with  a  lighter  circle.  The  lateral 
line  pursues  a  straight  course.  Length  of  head,  to  whole 
length  of  body,  as  1  to  5.  Eyes  small ;  pupils  black ;  irides 
bluish,  with  a  beautiful  red  ring  within.  Mouth  oblique  when 
jaws  are  closed.  Minute  sharp  teeth  in  each  jaw.  Back  of 
angle  of  mouth,  a  brown  band  descends  from  eyes  to  throat. 

The  Dorsal  fin,  which  is  but  slightly  raised  above  back, 
commences  on  a  line  above  posterior  angle  of  operculum,  and 
is  continued  to  tail,  being  composed  of  spinous  rays  entirely 
concealed,  save  their  points,  by  the  membrane. 

The  Pectoral  fins  are  reddish,  arising  back  of  posterior  infe- 
rior angle  of  gill-covers. 


66  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Ventrals  are  very  small,  situated  in  front  of  pectorals  ; 
their  outer  rays  spinous. 

The  first  two  rays  of  Anal  fin  are  spinous. 

All  the  fins  rather  lighter  colored  than  the  body  of  the  fish. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  D.  76 ;  P.  11 ;  V.  1-1 ;  A. 
42;  C.  15. 

This  fish  is  said  to  be  eaten  by  the  Greenlanders,  but  I  have 
never  heard  of  its  being  used  for  food  in  New  England. 


ZOARCUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Body  elongated,  covered  ivith  a  mucous 
secretion;  head  smooth,  muzzle  blunt ;  ventral  fins  situated 
before  the  pectorals  ;  dorsal,  anal  and  caudal  fins  united ;  all 
the  fins  very  thick  ;  vent  anterior  to  the  middle  of  the  body,  its 
situation  marked  by  a  tubercle  ;  teeth  conical,  placed  in  a  sin- 
gle row  ;  branchiostegous  rays  6. 

Z.     anguillaris.     Peck.      The  eel-shaped  Blenny. 

Memoirs  American  Academy,  vol.  ii.  et  fig. 

Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  375,  et  fig. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  in.  p.  177. 

y 
Although  Dr.  Mitchell  called  this  species  "  labrosus,"  in  his 

paper  on  the  "  Fishes  of  New  York,"  read  before  the  "  Lite- 
rary and  Philosophical  Society  of  New  York,"  in  1814,  and 
Cuvier  has  retained  this  specific  name  in  his  "  Regne  Animal," 
still,  as  Peck,  in  1794,  wrote  a  good  description  of  this  fish 
under  the  name  of  "  Blennius  anguillaris,"  and  published  his 
account,  accompanied  by  a  very  respectable  figure,  in  the  2d 
part  of  the  2d  volume  of  the  "  Memoirs  of  the  American  Acad- 
emy of  Arts  and  Sciences,"  in  1804,  I  should  be  doing  injus- 
tice to  the  memory  of  a  distinguished  naturalist,  were  I  not  so 
regardful  of  his  honor  as  to  acknowledge  the  priority  of  his 
description,  and  to  attempt  the  establishment  of  his  specific 
name. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  67 

This  species,  which  is  incorrectly  called  by  our  fishermen 
"  ling"  sometimes  attains  the  size  of  three  and  a  half  feet.  It 
is  seldom  met  with  in  Boston  market.  When  young,  its  flesh 
is  very  sweet  and  palatable  j  I  have  repeatedly  had  it  upon  my 
table. 

I  improve  the  opportunity  presented  by  the  possession  of  a 
fine  specimen,  taken  at  Provincetown,  thirty-one  inches  in 
length,  to  draw  up  the  following  description : 

Color,  a  yellowish  brown  or  fawn,   sprinkled  with  darker 
patches ;    beneath,  paler ;    front  and  top  of  head,   of  a  livid 
color;  gill-covers  lighter,   but  rather  dull,   having  a  distinct 
dirty  white  band  nearly  two  lines  in  width,  running  obliquely 
from  under  and  outer  angle  of  eye  to  posterior  edge  of  opercu- 
lum.     Whole  surface  of  fish,  with  the  exception  of  head,  cov- 
ered with  innlimerable  minute   cup-like  depressions.     Head, 
large,  resembling  in  its  aspect  that  of  a  "  Cottus"  ;  body  grad- 
ually tapering,  and  terminating  in  a  pointed  tail.     Length  of 
head  to  whole  length  of  body  as  1  to  5 ;  width  of  back  of 
head,  greater  than  greatest  depth  of  body.     Upper  lip  project- 
ing beyond  lower,  very  large  and  fleshy ;  projecting  over  jaw 
nearly  two  thirds  of  an  inch :  under  lip  also  quite  fleshy,  but 
much  less  so  than  the  upper.      Teeth  in  jaws,  large ;  those 
situated  in  back  of  jaw,  sharper ;  a  single  row  from  the  outer 
angle  of  upper  jaw  the  extent  of  four  teeth  •  then  a  double  row 
of  three  teeth  ;  then,  to  the  middle  of  jaw,  a  row  of  three  teeth 
deep ;  the  front  teeth  of  this  triple  row  are  the  largest  in  the 
jaw.     A  single  row  of  eight  teeth  from  outer  angle   of  lower 
jaw  towards  the  middle ;  then  a  double  row  of  from  four  to  six 
teeth  to  the  middle  of  jaw.     Numerous  large  teeth  in  throat  ; 
tongue  large,  fleshy,  smooth.     Nostrils  tubular,  about  half  the 
distance  between  eyes  and  snout ;  distance  between  eyes,  equal 
to  about  one  sixth  the  length  of  head.     Pupils  of  eye  black  ; 
irides  golden.     The  lateral  line  commences  above  operculum, 
at  a  distance  in  front  of  its  posterior  angle,  equal  to  the   dis- 
tance between   the  eyes,   and  passing  just  beyond  posterior 
angle  of  operculum,  makes  a  slight  curve  downwards,  and  then 
passes  on  towards  posterior  extremity  of  the  body,  in  a  straight 


68  FISHES  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

course  ;  a  portion  of  this  line  is  scarcely  visible.     All  the  fins 
are  enveloped  in  a  fleshy  membrane. 

The  Dorsal  fin,  commencing  on  the  same  plane  with  ven- 
trals,  is  continued  to  the  tail ;  previous  to  reaching  the  tail, 
however,  about  seventeen  of  its  rays  lose  their  fleshy  portion, 
and  exhibit  only  their  spinous  bases.  At  the  termination  of 
these  spinous  rays,  commences  the  tail. 

The  Pectorals  are  broad,  round  at  their  extremities,  and  of  a 
yellow  color,  inclining  to  brown  at  their  base. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  in  front  of  pectorals,  composed  of 
two  rays,  but,  being  enveloped  by  a  tough  membrane,  appear 
as  if  but  one. 

Anus  large,  situated  just  in  front  of  anal  fin. 
The  rays  of  the  Anal  and  Caudal  fins  cannot  be  distinguished 
from  each  other.  About  one  hundred  rays  caA  be  counted  of 
the  anal  fin,  but  the  rays  of  the  fleshy  tail  cannot  be  distin- 
guished. Both  dorsal  and  anal  fins  are  of  a  greenish  color, 
tinged  with  yellow. 

The  fin  rays,  as  far  as  practicable  to  be  counted,  are  as 
follows:  B.  6;  D.  120;  P.  19;  V.  2;  A.  100. 

In  a  living  specimen  of  this  species,  received  March  27, 
1838,  twenty-one  inches  in  length,  the  color  was  a  light  sal- 
mon, mottled  with  irregular  olive-colored  blotches,  darker 
towards  the  head.  Head  lighter  colored  than  in  larger  speci- 
mens :  the  two  oblique  bands  on  operculum,  narrow  and  rather 
indistinct.  In  upper  jaw,  the  row  of  single  teeth  is  six  in 
number;  in  lower  jaw,  the  single  row  contains  six  also. 
Irides  salmon  colored.  A  considerable  number  of  mucous 
glands  are  quite  obvious  upon  head,  back  of,  and  beneath  eyes. 
The  lateral  line  is  more  perceptible  than  in  mature  specimen. 
Body  beneath,  white  ;  neck,  flesh  colored. 

The  Dorsal  fin  almost  white,  salmon  colored  at  its  edge. 
The  Pectorals  of  a  true  salmon  color,  lighter  at  their  origin. 
The  Ventrals,  salmon  colored. 

The  Anal  is  salmon  colored  at  its  edge,  flesh  colored  at  its 
base,  with  seven  distinct  white  blotches  in  its  extent. 

The  dorsal,  pectoral  and  anal  fins  are  perfectly  transparent. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  69 

In  the  stomach  of  this  fish  I  found  specimens  of  the  follow- 
ing shells,  viz. :  Buccinum  undatum,  Fusus  corneus,  and 
pleurotomarius ;  Turbo  inflatus,  Natica  triseriata,  and  con- 
solidata  ;  Bulla  tritacea,  and  Tellina  sordida. 


ANARRHICHAS.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Head  smooth,  rounded  in  form,  muz- 
zle obtuse  ;  body  elongated,  covered  with  minute  scales  ;  dorsal 
and  anal  fins  long,  distinct  from  the  caudal ;  no  ventral  fins  : 
teeth  of  two  kinds  ;  those  in  front  elongated,  curved,  pointed  ; 
the  others  on  the  vomer,  as  also  on  the  jaws,  truncated,  or 
slightly  rounded  :  branchiostegous  rays  6. 

A.     lupus.     L.      The  Wolf  Fish.     Cat  Fish. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  133,  et  fig. 

Strack's  plates,  21,  fig.  2. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  p.  177. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  i.,  p.  247,  et  fig. 

Richardson's  Fauna,  p.  95. 

This  ferocious  species  is  captured  about  rocky  ledges  at  all 
seasons  of  the  year,  although  greater  numbers  are  taken  in 
winter  than  at  any  other  time.  The  cusk  rocks,  between 
Boston  and  Cape  Ann,  are  a  favorite  resort  of  this  fish.  Its 
hideous  appearance  renders  it  an  object  of  such  disgust,  that  it 
is  not  unfrequently  thrown  away  as  soon  as  caught.  By  many 
of  our  fishermen,  however,  it  is  regarded  as  excellent  food,  and 
thought  to  be  scarcely  inferior  to  that  of  any  of  our  fishes  ; 
specimens  weighing  from  five  to  ten  pounds  are  very  delicate 
when  fried  or  boiled.  I  have  had  this  fish  upon  my  table : 
few  fish  are  superior  to  it  when  broiled. 

My  description  is  drawn  up  from  a  specimen  three  feet  in 
length,  weighing  fifteen  pounds.  Entire  body  covered  with  a 
slimy  secretion.  Color,  a  purplish  brown,  with  transverse 
nearly  black  bars,  passing  from  abdomen  high  up  on  the  dorsal 
fin ;  beneath,  lighter.  Head  large,  flattened  on  top,  blunt  at 
snout.  Length  of  head  to  entire  length  of  body,  as  10  to  36 ; 


70  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

depth  of  head,  nearly  equal  to  its  length.  Eyes  moderate  in 
size ;  irides  yellow ;  distance  between  eyes  equal  to  one  fifth 
the  length  of  head.  Jaws  equal,  armed  with  long,  strong, 
pointed  teeth  ;  in  the  back  part  of  lower  jaw,  these  teeth  are 
very  large  and  blunted  tubercles  ;  on  each  side  of  roof  of 
mouth,  teeth  are  large  and  prominent ;  in  the  middle  of  roof  a 
double  ridge  of  tubercles  similar  to,  but  larger  than  those  on 
jaws,  extending  some  distance  back,  looking  like  single  teeth 
divided  in  their  centre.  Tongue  large,  fleshy,  fuliginous. 
Lips  loose,  fleshy. 

The  Dorsal  fin,  which  is  about  the  same  height  throughout 
its  whole  extent,  arises  on  a  line  with  the  base  of  pectorals, 
and  extends  near  to  tail,  appearing  as  if  almost  united  to  it,  by 
the  prolongation  of  the  membrane  of  fin. 

The  length  of  Pectorals  to  their  height  as  3  to  5 ;  rays  very 
large  ;  when  expanded,  these  fins  are  rounded  in  their  outline. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  immediately  back  of  the  anus,  which  is 
very  large,  and  terminates  on  a  plane  with  the  dorsal ;  in 
height,  this  fin  is  about  one  third  that  of  dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin  in  length  less  than  one  third  its  height. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :     D.  74  ;  P.  20  ;  A.  46  ;  C.  16. 


FAMILY  XIII. 

PECTORALES   PEDICULATI. 

LOPHIUS.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Head  very  large,  depressed;  body 
slender,  smooth,  without  scales;  two  dorsal  fins  separated; 
pectoral  fins  broad  and  thick,  somewhat  resembling  feet ;  ven- 
tral fins  small,  placed  considerably  before  the  pectorals;  teeth 
differing  in  size,  numerous,  conical,  sharp,  curving  backwards  ; 
tongue  broad ;  branchial  cavities  large,  with  only  a  small  open- 
ing behind  the  pectoral  fins  ;  branchiostegous  rays  6. 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  71 


L.   piscatorius.    Lin.      The  Angler.    Frog  Fish.    Sea  Devil. 
Goose  Fish.      Wide  Gab. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  105,  et  fig. 

Shaw's  Zool.  vol.  ii.  379,  et  fig. 

Strack's  Plates,  x.  1. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  464. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.ii.  184. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  i.  269,  et  fig. 

Specimens  of  this  species  are  yearly  taken  in  Massachusetts 
Bay  by  our  cod  fishers  ;  with  whom,  it  is  generally  known  as 
the  "  Goose  fish"  although  sometimes  incorrectly  called  the 
"Monk  fish." 

A  perfect  specimen  of  this  loathsome  looking  fish  was 
brought  me  by  my  old  friend,  Capt.  Nathaniel  Blanchard, 
which  he  captured  September  6th,  1837,  in  Boston  Bay.  It 
measured  forty-four  inches  in  length,  and  thirty-five  in 
breadth,  with  the  gape  of  the  mouth  nine  inches  in  extent. 
As,  at  that  time,  I  did  not  think  of  minutely  describing 
each  of  our  species,  I  was  satisfied  to  compare  it  with  several 
descriptions,  with  which  I  found  a  perfect  correspondence. 
Since  then,  I  have  been  unable  to  procure  another  specimen 
for  description,  and  therefore  copy  Yarrell's  account,  which  is 
concise  and  very  clear. 

'•The  number  of  fin  rays  is  D.  111-12  ;  P.  20;  Y.  5  ;  A. 
8  ;  C.  8. 

The  head  is  wide,  depressed  ;  the  mouth  nearly  as  wide  as 
the  head ;  lower  jaw  the  longer,  bearded  or  fringed  all  round 
the  edge  ;  both  jaws  armed  with  numerous  teeth  of  different 
length,  conical,  sharp,  and  curving  inwards ;  teeth  also  on  the 
palatine  bones  and  tongue ;  three  elongated,  unconnected  fila- 
ments on  the  upper  part  of  the  head ;  two  near  the  upper  lip, 
one  at  the*  nape,  all  three  situated  in  a  depression  on  the  mid- 
dle line  ;  eyes  large,  irides  brown,  pupils  black ;  pectoral  fins 
broad  and  founded  at  the  edge,  wide  at  the  base  ;  branchial 
pouches  in  part  supported  by  the  six  branchiostegous  rays. 


, 
72  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

Body  narrow  compared  with  the  breadth  of  the  head,  and 
tapering  gradually  to  the  tail ;  vent  about  the  middle  of  the 
body  ;  the  whole  fish  covered  with  a  loose  skin. 

Color  of  the  whole  upper  surface  of  the  body  uniform 
brown ;  fin  membranes  darker ;  under  surface  of  the  body, 
ventral,  and  pectoral  fins  white ;  tail  dark  brown,  almost 
black." 

By  the  motion  of  the  filaments  with  which  the  head  of  this 
species  is  furnished,  it  is  supposed  to  allure  within  its  reach 
smaller  species  upon  which  it  voraciously  feeds.  That  it 
however  sometimes  seizes  large  and  powerful  fishes,  we  learn 
from  Pennant,  who  says  it  is  so  highly  regarded  by  the  fisher- 
men on  the  coast  of  Scarborough,  being  supposed  by  them  to 
be  a  great  enemy  of  the  dogfish,  that  it  is  set  at  liberty  when- 
ever taken  :  and  he  adds  in  a  note.  "  the  bodies  of  these  fierce 
and  voracious  fish  are  often  found  in  the  stomach  of  the  Fish- 
ing frog." 


CHIRONECTES.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Four  rays  on  the  head,  as  in  Lophius  ; 
the  first  of  which  is  slender,  and  frequently  terminating  in  a 
tuft;  the  succeeding  ones,  augmented  by  a  membrane,  are 
sometimes  much  enlarged,  and  at  others,  united  into  a  fin. 
The  body  and  head  are  compressed  ;  the  mouth  cleft  vertically : 
the  only  opening  of  the  branchice,  which  are  furnished  with 
four  rays,  is  a  canal,  and  a  small  hole  behind  the  pectorals  ; 
the  dorsal  occupies  nearly  the  ivhole  length  of  the  back.  The 
entire  body  is  frequently  provided  with  cutaneous  appendages  ; 
there  are  four  branchice  ;  the  natatory  bladder  is  large,  and  the 
intestine  moderate,  and  without  coeca.  These  fishes,  by  filling 
their  enormous  stomachs  with  air,  are  enabled  to  expand  their 
belly  like  a  balloon  ;  on  land,  three  pairs  of  fins  enable  them  to 
creep  almost  like  small  quadrupeds,  the  pectorals,  from  their 
position,  performing  the  functions  of  hind  feet,  and  thus  they 
live  out  of  water  for  two  or  three  days. 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  73 

C.     laevigatus.     Cuv.       The  smooth  Chironectes. 
Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  fig.  ix.  pi.  iv. 

Several  specimens  of  this  fish  were  sent  me  from  Holmes 
Hole,  by  Dr.  Yale  ;  all  of  them  very  small.  From  the  largest 
individual,  I  have  drawn  up  the  following  description  : 

Length  one  and  a  quarter  inches.  Body  very  much  com- 
pressed upon  the  sides,  tapering  from  the  head,  where  it  is  high- 
est, to  the  tail.  Color  a  dull  white,  with  irregularly  distributed 
dark  brown  blotches,  or  partially  formed  longitudinal  bands, 
which  are  margined  with  a  clear  white :  clear  white  spots 
upon  the  abdomen.  Mouth  vertical,  very  large.  Eyes  mode- 
rate in  size.  Jaws  with  numerous  very  minute  teeth.  A  dark- 
colored  flexible  ray  in  front  of,  and  between  the  eyes,  with  a 
slight  filament  suspended  from  its  extremity ;  back  of  this,  a 
larger,  stouter  ray,  with  a  membrane  attached  posteriorly  ;  this 
ray  also  supports  a  filament.  Yery  slight  cutaneous  appen- 
dages beneath  the  lower  jaw. 

The  Dorsal  nearly  half  an  inch  long,  variegated  by  the  con- 
tinuation upon  it  of  the  black  blotches  upon  the  body. 

The  Pectorals  stout,  about  one  fourth  of  an  inch  long,  color 
of  the  dorsal. 

The  Ventrals  in  front  of  the  pectorals,  colored  like  the  other 
fins. 

The  Anal  straight  at  the  extremity. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  11 ;  P.  8  ;  V.  4;  A.  6  ;   C.  6. 

BATRACHUS.     Bloch. 

Generic  characters.  The  head  horizontally  flattened,  broader 
than  the  body ;  the  mouth  well  cleft ;  operculum  and  suboper- 
culum  spinous  ;  six  branchial  rays  ;  the  ventrals  narrow,  in- 
serted under  the  throat,  and  formed  of  but  three  rays,  the  first 
of  which  is  elongated  and  widened ;  pectorals  supported  by  a 
small  arm,  the  result  of  the  elongation  of  the  carpal  bones. 
The  first  dorsal  short,  and  supported  by  three  spinous  rays  ; 
10 


74  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

the  second  is  soft  and  long,  as  well  as  that  of  the  anus,  ivhich 
corresponds  to  it.  The  lips  are  frequently  furnished  with 
filaments.  Those  ivhich  have  been  dissected,  present  a  stomach 
resemblincr  an  oblong  sac,  and  short  intestines,  but  there  is  no 
coecum.  The  fore  part  of  the  natatory  bladder  is  deeply  bi- 
furcated. They  keep  themselves  hidden  in  the  sand,  to  sur- 
prise their  prey,  like  the  Lophius,  fyc.  ;  the  icounds  inflicted 
by  the  spines  are  reported  dangerous. 

B.     variegatus.     Le  Sueur.      The  Toad  Fish. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  Phil.  vol.  iii.  p.  398. 

To  Dr.  Yale.  I  am  indebted  for  two  fine  specimens  of  this 
species,  from  Holmes  Hole.  He  informs  me,  they  are  gene- 
rally found  in  ponds  and  lagoons  connected  with  the  sea  in 
muddy  water  :  in  winter,  they  are  captured  through  the  ice 
in  spearing  eels ;  and  are  not  used  for  food.  Each  of  these 
specimens  was  eleven  inches  in  length.  Color  yellowish  • 
entire  surface  of  the  head,  sides  and  abdomen  marbled  with 
black  ;  the  head  so  closely  dotted  as  to  appear  almost  black  ;  sides 
irregularly  undulated  ;  abdomen  less  closely  marked.  All  the 
fins  banded  with  black  lines.  Whole  of  the  body  enveloped  with 
a  copious  viscid  secretion,  which  flows  from  numerous  mucous 
pores  every  where  distributed  :  beneath  each  eye,  are  eight  very 
distinct  glands  :  they  are  also  observed  upon  the  opercula.  Head 
very  much  compressed  :  its  length  and  breadth  equal.  Body 
much  narrower  than  the  head  ;  gradually  tapering  from  the  base 
of  the  pectorals  to  a  short  distance  back  of  the  anus,  beyond  which 
it  becomes  very  much  compressed.  Operculum  armed  with 
three  distinct  spines,  the  upper  most  prominent :  cheeks  protu- 
berant. Diameter  of  the  eye  three  lines  ;  pupils  black ;  irides 
golden  :  over  the  middle  of  each  eye  is  situated  a  large  fleshy 
appendage  which  hangs  down  over  the  eye,  and,  just  before 
this,  a  very  small  appendage.  Mouth  very  large  ;  lips  fleshy  ; 
on  the  chin  four  small  fleshy  appendages  ;  directly  beneath  these, 
two  smaller  ones;  on  a  line  with  these  latter,  three  larger 
appendages  on  each  side,  with  a  still  larger  one  at  the  angle 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  75 

of  each  jaw.  Lower  jaw  longer  than  the  upper  :  a  single  row  of 
strong  conical  teeth  in  each  jaw  upon  its  sides  ;  with  more  than 
one  row  in  front  of  the  jaw.  Teeth  on  the  vomer.  Tongue  small. 
Branchial  aperture  as  wide  as  the  base  of  the  pectorals.  The 
lateral  line,  which  is  studded  with  very  distinct  mucous  pores 
throughout  its  whole  extent,  arises  just  back  of  the  upper  spine 
of  the  operculum,  and  runs  in  nearly  a  straight  course  high  up 
on  the  back  to  the  tail. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  is  quite  small,  and  arises  just  back  of  the 
head  :  it  is  composed  of  three  spinous  rays,  of  which  the  second 
is  longest. 

The  second  Dorsal  commences  directly  behind  the  first,  and 
terminates  just  in  front  of  the  tail ;  it  is  beautifully  marked 
with  seven  broad,  oblique  black  bands  :  this  fin.  at  its  posterior 
extremity,  is  one  third  less  high  than  at  its  middle. 

The  Pectorals  originate  at  the  lower  edge,  of  the  branchial 
opening.  The  fleshy  portion  of  their  base  is  sprinkled  with 
irregular  markings  like  the  head :  the  rays  of  these  fins  are 
crossed  transversely  by  six  interrupted  black  bands,  those  at 
the  base  being  the  narrowest. 

The  Ventral  fins  originate  some  distance  in  front  of  the  pecto- 
rals ;  they  are  composed  of  three  rays ;  the  centre  is  large,  ex- 
ternally fleshy,  falciform. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  rather  farther  back  than  the  dor- 
sal :  it  is  marked  with  seven  oblique  black  bands.  The  fleshy 
extremities  of  this  fin,  like  those  of  the  second  dorsal,  are  free, 
and  present  a  digitated  appearance. 

The  Caudal  fin  has  five  uninterrupted  transverse  dark  bands, 
the  two  at  base,  narrower  than  the  others. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  B.  3  ;  D.  3,  25 ;  P.  16 ;  V.  3 ; 
A.  24  ;  C.  14. 

The  specimens  from  which  Le  Sueur  described  this  species, 
as  being  found  at  Egg  Harbor,  N.  J.,  were  much  smaller  than 
those  I  have  seen,  being  less  than  six  inches :  in  some  unim- 
portant respects,  his  description  differs  from  the  appearance  of 
rny  specimens,  an  account  of  which  is  here  presented  :  the 
ichthyologist  will  at  once  perceive  that  they  might  very  natu- 
rally be  produced  by  difference  of  age  and  locality. 


76  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

-% 

FAMILY  XIV. 
LABROIDES. 

LABRUS.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Body  elongated,  covered  with  large 
thin  scales :  a  single  dorsal  Jin,  extending  nearly  the  whole 
length  of  the  back  ;  part  of  the  rays  spinous,  the  others  flexible  ; 
behind  the  point  of  each  spinous  ray  a  short  membranous  fila- 
ment :  lips  large  and  fleshy  ;  teeth  conspicuous,  conical,  sharp  ; 
cheek  and  operculum  covered  ivith  scales  ;  preoperculum  and 
operculum  ivithout  serrations  or  spines. 

L.     Americanus.     Bloch.      The  Tautog.     Black  Fish. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  399,  et  fig. 

Although  a  very  few  years  only  have  passed  since  this  spe- 
cies was  brought  into  Massachusetts  Bay,  it  is  now  taken  along 
a  large  portion  of  the   coast.     At  Plymouth  and  Nahant,  at 
some  seasons,  it  is  found  in  no  inconsiderable  numbers,  and  is 
frequently    caught    from    the   bridges   leading   from   Boston. 
From  one  of  these  bridges,  a  specimen  was  taken  a  few  years 
since,  weighing  eleven  pounds  and  three  quarters.     The  Bos- 
ton market  is  for  the  most  part  supplied,  however,  by  Well- 
fleet.     I  am  informed  that  in  1836  three   smacks  were   con- 
stantly employed   in  the  harbor  of   South  Wellfleet,  in  the 
tautog  fishery,  from  April  to  November,  and  that  it  was  a 
profitable  occupation  to  those  engaged  in  it.     Large  numbers 
are  carried  from  this  latter  place  to  New  York.     At  New  Bed- 
ford, 300  pounds  of  fresh  tautog  have  been  sold  by  a  single 
market-boat  in  a  day.     This  fish  is  also  pickled  at  the  last 
place,  and  may  be  kept  in  a  weak  brine  for  a  long  time.     In 
this  state,  they  are  considered  by  epicures  a  great  delicacy. 
Mr.  Henry  Blood,  of  New  Bedford,  informs  me,  that  a  speci- 
men of  this  fish  was  taken  in  Rochester  harbor,  which  weighed 
fourteen  pounds  and  three  ounces.     The  largest  individual  of 
which  I  have  any  knowledge,  weighed  sixteen  pounds. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  77 

This  species  varies  considerably  in  its  markings  ;  generally, 
however,  it  is  of  a  bluish  black  above,  diversified  with  bands 
and  blotches,  mottled  with  darker  spots  towards  the  abdomen. 
Abdomen  whitish. 

Body  regularly  arched  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  dorsal  fin.  Length  of  the  head  to  the  posterior 
angle  of  the  operculum,  about  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  body, 
including  the  tail.  Head  naked,  save  a  patch  of  small  scales 
upon  the  upper  part  of  the  operculum,  and  a  vertical  band  of 
similar  scales  upon  the  preoperculum,  just  back  of  the  eyes. 
Lips  large  and  fleshy  :  jaws  with  a  single  row  of  strong  conical 
teeth,  those  in  front,  largest ;  teeth  in  the  pharynx.  Nostrils 
double,  small,  above  and  in  front  of  the  anterior  angle  of  eye. 
Eyes  circular ;  pupils  blue  black ;  irides  silvery,  dusky  after 
death ;  diameter  of  the  eye  equal  to  half  the  distance  between 
eyes.  The  lateral  line  arises  just  above  the  operculum,  and 
curves  with  the  body. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  on  a  line  with  the  pectorals ;  the  first 
seventeen  rays  terminate  in  naked  spines,  at  the  base  of  which 
are  small  floating,  fleshy  tentacula ;  the  posterior  fleshy  rays  of 
this  fin  are  nearly  as  high  again  as  the  spinous  rays ;  fin  ex- 
tends to  within  a  short  distance  of  the  tail.  Base  of  the  rays 
with  scales. 

The  Pectorals  commence  just  in  front  of  the  posterior  angle 
of  the  operculum  ;  of  the  color  of  the  abdomen,  rounded  at  the 
extremity.  Length  to  height  as  1  to  3. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  a  short  distance  back  of  the  pec- 
torals ;  above,  dark  colored  ;  beneath,  white ;  length  about  one 
third  their  height.  The  outer  ray  spinous. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  opposite  the  sixteenth  spinous  ray  of  the 
dorsal  fin,  and  terminates  on  the  same  plane  with  that  fin ;  the 
three  first  rays  are  spinous ;  fin  longer  than  high. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  even  at  its  extremity ;  length  of  the  fin 
one  third  greater  than  its  height. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  28  j  P.  15  ;  V.  6 ;  A.  11 ; 
C.  15. 


78  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


CRENILABRUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  The  Crenilabri  have  all  the  external 
and  internal  characters  of  the  true  Labri,  but  are  distinguished 
from  them  by  the  denticulation  of  the  edge  of  the  preopercu- 
lum.  They  are  generally  a  little  deeper  also  in  the  body  com- 
pared with  their  length. 

C.    burgall.    Schoepp.      The  Conner.    Blue  Perch.    Chogset. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  402. 

From  the  middle  of  June  until  September,  this  is  a  very 
common  species  in  our  waters.  It  is  taken  along  our  whole 
sea-board,  not  only  by  the  fishermen's  nets  in  myriads,  but  by 
the  needy  and  destitute  from  our  wharves  and  bridges,  and  is 
an  excellent  fish  for  the  table. 

The  colors  of  this  species  vary  exceedingly ;  thus,  in  the 
same  sweep  of  the  net,  some  are  taken  of  a  deep  bluish  color ; 
others,  spotted  over  their  entire  surface  with  yellowish  spots  ; 
and  others,  almost  of  an  uniform  rust  color. 

My  description  is  drawn  up  from  a  specimen  nine  inches  in 
length.  Body  above,  rusty ;  sides,  spotted  over  their  whole 
surface  with  lighter  colored  spots  than  the  ground  of  the  back  ; 
abdomen  of  a  bluish  white  color,  with  sparse  spots.  Lower 
part  of  the  gill-covers,  together  with  the  throat,  and  ventral  and 
anal  fins,  blue.  Depth  of  the  body  across  the  base  of  the  ven- 
trals,  exclusive  of  the  dorsal  fin,  rather  more  than  two  inches. 
Length  of  the  head  two  inches,  slightly  flattened  on  its  top ; 
a  perceptible  convexity  back  of  the  neck,  in  front  of  the  dorsal 
fin.  Preoperculum  finely  denticulated  upon  its  posterior  edge  ,- 
a  fleshy  prolongation  at  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum. 
Between,  and  in  front  of  the  eyes,  irregular  bluish  lines,  ap- 
pearing like  hieroglyphics,  more  strongly  marked  than  on  the 
neck.  Diameter  of  the  eye,  one  line  less  than  the  distance 
between  the  eyes  ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  silvery.  Jaws  equal, 
and  with  numerous  teeth ;  those  in  front  larger,  recurved  ;  teeth 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  79 

also  on  the  pharynx.  The  lateral  line  distinct,  of  a  darker 
rust  color  than  the  sides,  curving  very  slightly  with  the  body 
until  just  before  the  termination  of  the  dorsal  fin,  when  it  sud- 
denly curves  downwards  two  lines,  and  then  passes  straight  to 
the  tail. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  on  a  line  with  the  posterior  angle  of 
the  operculum,  and  terminates  within  about  an  inch  of  the  tail. 
It  has  about  eighteen  strong  rays,  the  spines  of  which  project 
at  their  tips  ;  the  upper  portion  of  their  connecting  membrane 
is  free,  giving  the  appearance  of  filaments  ;  the  eleven  last  rays 
are  membranous.  The  spinous  rays  gradually  increase  in 
height  to  the  membranous  rays,  which  are  still  more  elevated. 

The  Pectorals  arise  on  a  line  with  the  dorsal  j  their  height 
to  their  length  is  as  2  to  1. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  back  of  the  pectorals  ;  the  first  ray 
spinous. 

The  Anal  fin  has  its  first  three  rays  spinous  ;  its  length  to 
its  height  as  2  to  1. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  nearly  even  at  the  tip ;  its  rays  one  third 
longer  than  high. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  B.  5 ;  D.  18-11 ;  P.  15  ;  Y.  6  ; 
A.  12;  C.  16, 


FAMILY  XV. 
FISTULARIDAE. 

FISTULARIA.     Lin, 

Generic  characters.  A  single  dorsal,  most  of  which,  as  well 
as  of  the  anal,  is  composed  of  simple  rays.  The  intermaxil- 
laries  and  the  lower  jaw  are  armed  with  small  teeth.  From 
the  two  lobes  of  the  caudal  proceeds  a  filament  which  is  some- 
times as  long  as  the  body.  The  tube  of  the  snout  is  very 
long  and  depressed,  the  natatory  bladder  excessively 
and  the  scales  invisible. 


* 
80  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

F.     scrrata.     Bloch.      The  Tobacco-pipe  Fish. 

Although  Richardson,  in  his  "  Fauna"  observes  that  the 
"  Fistularia  tabaccaria  frequents  the  coast  of  the  United 
States,"  it  must  be  exceedingly  rare  in  the  waters  which  bor- 
der New  England ;  as  1  have  neither  met  with  one  myself,  nor 
heard  of  one's  being  seen  by  any  individual  whose  accuracy 
could  be  relied  upon.  Richardson  also  remarks,  that  the  "  F. 
serrata  frequents  the  West  Indies  and  the  sea  of  Brazil." 
Cuvier,  in  the  notes  to  his  "  Regne  Animal"  refers  to  Cates- 
by's  plates  for  a  figure  of  this  species  ;  he  could  not  infer,  from 
this  figure,  that  the  species  was  the  " serrata"  unless  he  had 
also  received  a  specimen  of  the  fish,  and  concluded  it  was  the 
only  Fistularia  found  upon  the  coast  of  the  United  States. 
Catesby's  figure  is  represented  with  two  dorsal  fins. 

The  specimen  before  me  was  sent  several  years  since  to  this 
city  by  Dr.  Yale,  who  procured  it  at  Holmes  Hole.  It  is  still 
in  a  state  of  fine  preservation,  and  belongs  to  the  cabinet  of  the 
"  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History."  It  has  not  the  spots  upon 
its  sides  which  are  possessed  by  the  tabaccaria  :  nor  does  it 
agree  with  the  figures  of  that  species  in  Rees'  Encyclopedia  ; 
Sonnini's  Bufibn  ;  Strack's  Plates ;  or  Shaw's  Zoology :  but  in 
the  fifth  volume  of  Shaw's  Zoology,  the  author  observes,  "  a 
variety  has  been  described  by  Dr.  Bloch,  in  which  this  part" 
(referring  to  the  tail)  "  was  double,  and  the  snout  serrated." 
A  figure  of  the  tail  of  this  variety,  as  he  calls  it,  is  also  repre- 
sented by  Shaw.  This  is  undoubtedly  our  fish  ;  and.  although 
I  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  what  the  "  serrata"  is,  having 
neither  Bloch  nor  any  other  work  on  ichthyology,  which 
speaks  of  it,  yet,  looking  at  its  serrated  intermaxillaries,  and 
lateral  line,  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  species  before  me  is  that 
fish.  Dr.  Yale  writes  me  it  is  not  often  found. 

My  specimen  is  ten  inches  in  length.  Upper  part  of  the 
body,  of  a  reddish  brown  color  ;  a  narrow  bluish  band  upon  the 
sides,  through  the  centre  of  which,  runs  the  lateral  line  which 
commences  just  above  the  posterior  portion  of  the  operculum, 
and  runs  obliquely  backwards  about  an  inch,  then  approximat- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  81 

ing  that  of  the  opposite  side,  runs  a  straight  course  an  inch  and 
a  half;  then  passes  down  upon  the  side.  At  first,  this  line  is 
quite  indistinct,  but  more  prominent  towards  the  posterior  half 
of  the  hody ;  it  becomes  a  sensible  ridge,  which,  back  of  the 
dorsal,  is  quite  strongly  serrated.  Abdomen  lighter  colored 
than  the  back  :  throat  white.  Entire  length  of  the  head,  from 
the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  posterior  extremity  of  the  intermax- 
illaries,  nine  inches.  Tube  of  a  hard,  horny  consistence, 
strongly  serrated  laterally  upon  its  upper  portion,  and  less  dis- 
tinctly above  and  beneath :  wider  than  deep :  width  just  in 
front  of  the  eyes,  three  quarters  of  an  inch  ;  at  the  angle  of  the 
jaws,  half  an  inch.  Vertical  gape  of  the  mouth,  half  an  inch  : 
jaws  armed  with  numerous  small  teeth  ;  lower  jaw  longer  than 
the  upper,  with  a  protuberance  at  the  chin.  Gill-covers  per- 
fectly smooth,  with  a  serrated  portion  above  them,  three  quar- 
ters of  an  inch  in  extent. 

The  Dorsal  fin  is  triangular,  same  color  as  the  abdomen ; 
situated  upon  the  posterior  third  of  the  body. 

The  Pectorals  are  situated  a  quarter  of  an  inch  back  of  the 
operculum  j  their  length  to  their  height  is  about  as  1  to  3. 

The  Ventrals  are  two  and  a  half  inches  back  of  the  pectorals, 
very  small ;  half  of  an  inch  long  ;  color  of  the  abdomen. 

The  Anal,  similar  in  form  to  the  dorsal,  is  directly  opposite 
that  fin. 

The  Caudal  is  deeply  forked,  being  nearly  an  inch  wide 
between  the  lobes  at  the  extremities,  when  they  are  expanded. 
Directly  from  the  centre  of  this  fin,  as  if  it  were  a  continuation 
of  the  lateral  lice,  proceeds  a  strong  filament  nine  inches  in 
length,  jointed  at  its  commencement  like  some  of  the  Gorgo- 
niae,  which  becomes  exceedingly  delicate  at  its  termination. 
From  its  base,  another  very  minute  filament  arises. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  14  ;  P.  16  ;  Y.  6  ;  A.  14; 
C.  16. 

» 


*      " 


ORDER    II. 

MALACOPTERYGII    ABDOMINALES. 


FAMILY  I. 
CYPRINIDJG. 


CYPRINUS.     Lin. 


Generic  characters.  Body  covered  with  large  scales  ;  a  sin- 
gle elongated  dorsal  fin ;  lips  fleshy  ;  mouth  small ;  teeth  in 
the  pharynx  j  but  none  on  the  jaws  ;  branchiostegous  rays  3. 

C.     auratus.     Lin.     The  golden  Carp. 
Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  327. 
Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  i.  315  et  fig. 

This  species  is  so  well  known  that,  did  not  this  report  con- 
template a  description  of  every  fish  known  to  inhabit  our 
waters,  I  should  pass  it  by,  after  having  merely  included  it  in 
my  catalogue.  It  is  found  in  quite  a  number  of  ponds  in  the 
vicinity  of  Boston,  connected  with  the  country  seats,  bearing 
perfectly  well  the  rigors  of  our  winters,  and  breeding  in  great 
numbers.  I  have  seen  them  at  Brookline,  Cambridge  and 
Brighton ;  from  the  latter  place,  the  specimens  before  me 
were  received,  through  the  politeness  of  my  friend  Samuel 
Downer,  Jr. 

The  following  appearances  are  presented  :  *  Form  oblong  ; 
body  slightly  arched  from  the  occiput  to  the  commencement  of 
the  dorsal  fin,  and  then  gradually  curved  to  the  termination  of 
that  fin.  Color,  a  bright  orange  on  the  upper  part  of  the  body  ; 
lighter  upon  the  sides ;  white  beneath.  Scales  large,  exhibit- 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  83 

ing  several  striae,  and,  under  the  microscope,  a  great  number  of 
very  minute  points  or  granulations,  giving  a  rough  feel  to  their 
surface.  The  number  of  the  scales  in  an  oblique  direction, 
from  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin  to  the  abdomen,  is  ten.  The 
lateral  line,  which  is  very  distinct  and  nearly  straight,  passes 
through  the  seventh  row  of  scales.  Length  of  the  head,  one 
fifth  the  length  of  the  body,  flattened  between  the  eyes :  eyes 
moderate  in  size  ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  silvery  ;  diameter  of  the 
eye  equal  to  half  the  distance  between  the  eyes.  Mouth  small ; 
jaws  toothless ;  upper  jaw  the  longer.  Nostrils  large.  Sub- 
orbitar  and  opercular  surfaces,  golden  ;  the  latter  covered  with 
delicate  strias. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  on  the  anterior  half  of  the  body,  as 
long  again  as  high :  the  first  two  rays  are  spinons ;  the  first, 
very  short  and  slightly  roughened  behind ;  the  second,  large 
and  strongly  serrated  behind. 

The  Pectorals  arise  in  front  of  the  dorsal  fin,  at  a  distance 
equal  to  half  their  length  ;  their  length  equal  to  one  sixth  their 
height. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  under  the  anterior  portion  of  the 
dorsal  fin,  at  the  posterior  third  of  the  pectorals  j  their  length 
to  their  height  as  2  to  7. 

The  Anal  fin  is  higher  than  long ;  its  first  two  rays  are  spi- 
nous,  serrated  behind,  resembling  those  of  the  dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  lunated,  its  depth  at  the  base  to  its  length 
as  6  to  9. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  15  ;  P.  15  ;  V.  9  ;  A.  17  ; 
C.  18. 

The  appearances  of  this  species  in  color,  forms  of  its  fins,  and 
many  other  particulars,  vary  exceedingly  by  domestication. 


CATOSTOMUS.     Le  Sueur. 

Generic  characters.  Back  ivith  a  single  fin  :  gill  mem- 
branes three  rayed  ;  head  and  opercula  smooth  ;  jaws  toothless 
and  retractile  ;  mouth  beneath  the  snout ;  lips  plaited,  lobed,  or 
carunculated,  suitable  for  sucking.  Throat  with  pectinated 
teeth. 


84  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


C.     Bostoniensis.     Le  Sueur.      The  common  Sucker. 
Memoirs  of  American  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,  vol.  xxi.,  et  fig. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  Phil.  vol.  i  et  fig. 

This  species  was  first  described  by  Peck,  in  the  "  Memoirs 
of  the  American  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,"  and  quite 
well  figured  as  the  "  Cyprinus  catostomus"  of  Foster.  In 
the  excellent  monograph  of  the  gemis  "  Catostomus"  contained 
in  the  first  volume  of  the  "Journal  of  the  Academy  of  Natu- 
ral Sciences"  Le  Sueur  describes  and  figures  this  fish  with 
the  specific  name  of  "  Bostoniensis."  In  the  spring  and 
autumn,  it  is  not  unfrequently  found  in  the  Boston  market ;  and 
in  a  mild  winter,  they  may  be  met  with  at  almost  any  time. 
They  are  generally  taken  in  Charles  River  at  Watertown,  and 
sometimes  attain  the  weight  of  five  pounds.  But  little  value 
is  attached  to  them  by  the  fishermen,  and  not  unfrequently 
they  are  thrown  away  for  want  of  demand.  They  are  occa- 
sionally brought  into  the  city  by  the  cartload,  and  palmed  off 
upon  the  ignorant,  as  the  mullet. 

The  specimen  before  me  is  fifteen  inches  in  length.  Body 
subcylindrical.  Color  of  the  back  a  slight  brown,  darker 
towards  the  head,  which  is  nearly  olive  colored  ;  sides  of  a 
reddish  brown,  presenting  a  beautiful  metallic  lustre  :  beneath, 
white.  Scales  on  the  anterior  portion  of  the  body  much  smaller 
than  upon  the  posterior.  Length  of  the  head  to  the  entire  length 
of  the  body  including  the  tail  as  1  to  5  ;  head  perfectly  smooth  ; 
rows  of  mucous  pores  are  seen  on  the  back  of  the  head,  and 
above  and  beneath  the  eyes.  Eyes  moderate  in  size,  circular ; 
pupils  black  ;  irides  golden  ;  distance  between  the  eyes  equal  to 
one  quarter  the  length  of  the  head,  when  the  jaws  are  closed. 
Mouth  small ;  lips  corrugated  :  jaws  destitute  of  teeth.  Oper- 
cula  golden.  Nostrils  just  in  front  of  the  eyes  ;  double  ;  anterior, 
larger  and  circular  ;  posterior,  narrower  and  transverse.  The 
lateral  line,  which  is  composed  of  sixty-four  scales,  commences 
back  of  the  anterior  portion  of  the  operculum,  and  curving 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  85 

slightly  downwards,  assumes  nearly  a  straight  course,  which 
is  continued  to  the  base  of  the  caudal  rays. 

The  pectoral,  ventral  and  anal  fins  are  reddish.  The  dor- 
sal and  caudal  are  of  a  dark  brown. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  back  of  the  middle  of  the  body,  and  is 
rather  longer  than  high. 

The  Pectorals  commence  just  behind  the  branchial  opening  ; 
their  height  to  their  length  as  2  to  1. 

The  Ventrals  arise  on  a  line  opposite  the  middle  of  the  dor- 
sal fin,  and  are  in  length  to  their  height  as  1  to  3. 

The  Anal  fin,  which  is  rather  rounded  than  pointed,  is  in 
length  to  its  height  as  1  to  2.  The  anus  is  at  the  origin  of  the 
anal  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  deeply  forked  ;  and  its  depth  at  extremity 
is  to  its  depth  at  its  base  as  %  to  1. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  D.  13 ;  P.  18  ;  V.  10  ;  A.  9  ; 
C.  18. 


,. 
C.     tuberculatus.     Le  Sueur.      The  horned  Sucker. 

Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  Phil.  vol.  i.  p.  93. 

Of  this  species,  described  by  Le  Sueur  from  specimens  ob- 
tained in  Pennsylvania,  I  have  seen  but  two  individuals,  which 
were  taken  at  Watertown  with  the  preceding  species.  I  am  in- 
formed it  is  not  an  uncommon  fish  in  the  ponds  of  various 
parts  of  this  State  and  New  Hampshire,  and  that  it  is  called, 
very  incorrectly  however,  the  "Barbel." 

A  specimen,  fourteen  inches  in  length,  presents  the  follow- 
ing appearances.  Greatest  depth  rather  less  than  one  and  a 
half  inches  ;  width  across  the  body  from  the  commencement  of 
the  dorsal  fin  about  three  inches.  This  species  is  readily  dis- 
tinguished from  the  C.  "  Bostoniensis"  our  most  common 
sucker,  by  its  being  less  elongated,  and  deeper  ;  and  by  the 
gibbosity  of  the  nape  of  the  neck  ;  and  from  all  other  species,  by 
the  tubercles  on  its  snout.  Color  above,  dark  brown  ;  sides  yel- 
lowish ;  beneath  white.  Scales  large,  with  golden  reflections, 
and  distinct  radii.  Length  of  the  head,  two  inches  four  lines  ; 


86  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

above  livid;  sides,  of  a  dull  white.  Between  the  eyes  and  the 
snout,  four  prominent  horns  on  each  side  ;  the  upper  anterior  the 
largest,  being  two  lines  in  height ;  the  upper  posterior  the  small- 
est. Beneath  the  first  tubercle,  a  smaller  is  seen,  and  directly 
behind  it,  a  third,  nearly  as  large  as  the  first :  these  three  first 
form  a  triangle.  Just  above  the  third  tubercle,  and  in  front  of 
the  upper  anterior  an^le  of  the  eye,  and  between  the  nostrils  and 
the  eye  is  a  fourth  tubercle  smaller  than  the  others.  Eyes  very 
small  j  pupil  black,  surrounded  by  a  red  ring.  Nostrils  double. 
Mouth  small,  lunated.  Back  rises  suddenly  on  the  nape  of 
the  neck,  leaving  a  sensible  depression  before  it. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  upon  the  anterior  half  of  the  body  j  its 
height  one  third  less  than  its  length. 

The  Pectorals  are  reddish,  with  brown  tips ;  length  equal  to 
one  third  their  height. 

The  Ventrals  of  the  same  color,  and  same  length  as  the  pec- 
torals. 

The  longest  rays  of  the  Anal  fin  more  than  one  third  higher 
than  the  length  of  the  fin. 

The  lower  lobe  of  the  Caudal  fin  slightly  longer  than  the 
upper. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  D.  15  ;  P.  16  ;  V.  9  ;  A.  10  ; 
C.  22. 

I  have  no  doubt  that  this  is  the  "  tuberculatus"  of  Le  Sueur. 
He  describes  his  specimen  as  having  but  three  tubercles.  This 
was  owing  undoubtedly  to  the  smallest  tubercle  having  fallen 
off,  which  I  find  is  the  case  with  one  on  one  side  of  the  speci- 
men before  me,  without  leaving  the  slightest  mark  to  point  its 
location. 


C.     nigricans.     Le  Sueur.      The  black  Sucker. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  102. 

By  the  kindness  of  Mr.  H.  Erastus  Clap,  of  Walpole,  I  re- 
ceived, in  May,  1838,  eight  beautiful  fresh  specimens  of  this 
species,  which  enabled  me  to  test  its  goodness  at  my  own  ta- 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  87 

ble,  besides  supplying  several  of  my  friends,  who  agreed  with 
me,  that,  although  its  flesh  was  rather  dry,  it  was  much  prefer- 
able to  that  of  the  "  Bostoniensis"  The  largest  of  these 
specimens  was  twenty  inches  in  length,  and  weighed  three 
and  a  half  pounds.  From  a  specimen  fifteen  inches  in  length, 
the  following  description  is  made,  as  being  more  nearly  like 
the  specimen  from  which  Le  Sueur  drew  up  his  description, 
than  the  larger  specimens. 

Color  of  the  back,  black ;  sides  reddish  yellow,  with  black 
blotches ;  beneath,  white,  with  golden  reflections.  Scales 
moderate  in  size.  Head  quadrangular,  one  fifth  the  length  of 
the  fish ;  top  of  the  head  of  a  deeper  black  than  the  body. 
Eyes  moderate,  oblong  ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  golden.  Mouth 
large  ;  corrugations  of  the  lips  very  large,  particularly  those  of 
the  lower  lip.  The  lateral  line  arising  back  of  the  operculum, 
on  a  line  opposite  the  centre  of  the  eye,  makes  a  very  slight 
curve  downwards,  and  then  pursues  nearly  a  straight  course  to 
the  tail ;  it  is  composed  of  sixty  scales.  Backj  between  the 
head  and  dorsal  fin,  rounded. 

The  Pectoral,  Ventral  and  Anal  fins  are  reddish. 

The  Caudal  and  Dorsal,  blackish. 

The  Dorsal  fin  in  height  is  equal  to  two  thirds  its  length. 

The  third  and  fourth  rays  of  the  Anal  fin,  which  are  longest, 
extend  a  little  on  to  the  rays  of  the  caudal  fin. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  D.  13  ;  P.  18  ;  V.  9  ;  A.  8  ; 
C.  18. 

In  two  of  the  eight  specimens,  there  were  but  twelve  rays 
in  the  dorsal  fin. 

In  larger  specimens  than  that  just  described,  the  back  is  not 
black,  but,  together  with  the  sides,  is  of  an  olive  brown  color ; 
in  others  again,  the  back  is  neither  black  nor  olive  brown,  but 
reddish,  like  the  sides  ;  in  some  specimens,  a  longitudinal  band 
of  a  deeper  red  than  the  rest  of  the  side,  runs  the  whole  length 
of  the  fish,  just  beneath  the  dark-colored  back.  The  golden 
tints  reflected  from  the  opercula,  and  the  scales  along  the 
entire  sides  of  this  species,  give  it  a  very  brilliant  appearance. 
It  is  known  by  the  common  name  of  "  Black  Sucker." 


88  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


C.     gibbosus.     Le  Sueur.      The  giobous  Sucker. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  92,  et  fig. 

I  have  never  met  with  this  species,  which  Le  Sueur  "  dis- 
covered in  the  river  Connecticut,  near  Northampton,  where  it 
is  called  Chub  Sucker,"  and  therefore  extract  his  description, 
from  the  "Journal  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of 
Philadelphia." 

"  Back  elevated  in  front  of  the  dorsal  fin,  which  is  almost  as 
high  as  broad,  and  rounded ;  anal  fin  bilobated.  Head 
nearly  as  high  as  long ;  snout  short,  roundish ;  tail  straight ; 
caudal  fin  semi-lunated,  lobes  roundish,  the  inferior  one  longer 
than  the  upper  ;  scales  very  much  crowded  transversely  a  short 
distance  from  the  opercula,  but  more  developed  on  the  rest 
of  the  body ;  the  color  of  the  back  is  a  deep  blue,  with  golden 
reflections ;  pectoral,  ventral  and  anal  fins  of  a  fine  reddish 
orange  color ;  caudal  fin  tinted  with  carmine  and  violet ;  dor- 
sal fin  bluish  green  j  abdominal  scales  red  at  their  base  ;  lateral 
line  hardly  perceptible ;  body  marked  with  four  or  five  faint 
transverse  bands.  Length  of  specimen  eleven  inches. 

P.  16 ;  D.  17 ;  V.  9 ;  A.  9 ;  C.  18  rays. 

Dr.  Mitchell's  description  of  the  '  Cyprinus  oblongus'  ap- 
proaches to  this ;  but  there  are  important  characters  in  my 
species,  not  noticed  in  that  of  the  former,  which  preclude  a 
conclusion  that  they  are  the  same;  therefore,  as  the  matter 
now  stands,  I  must  consider  the  above  a  nondescript." 


LEUCISCUS.     Klein. 

Generic  characters.  The  anal  fin  short,  as  well  as  the  dor- 
sal, but  without  strong  rays  at  the  commencement  of  either  ; 
no  barbules  at  the  mouth. 

L.     crysoleucas.     Mitchell.      The  New  York  Shiner. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  459. 
Fauna  Boreali-Americana,  p.  122. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  89 

This  quite  common  species  in  the  ponds  throughout  the 
State,  is  taken  with  the  "  Pomotis  vulgaris"  "  Perca  flaves- 
cens"  "  Esox  reticulatus"  and  "  Pimelodus  nebulosus"  It 
has  been  described  by  Mitchell,  who  does  not,  however,  men- 
tion its  general  size,  nor  the  proportion  of  its  several  parts 
compared  to  each  other.  The  following  description  is  drawn 
up  from  a  living  specimen  of  average  size  :  Length  of  the  fish, 
from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  extremity  of  the  tail,  six  and  a 
half  inches ;  width  across  the  body,  on  a  line  with  the  base  of 
the  ventrals,  two  inches ;  length  of  the  head  to  the  posterior 
angle  of  the  operculum,  one  inch  and  three  lines.  General 
color,  a  beautiful  golden ;  top  of  the  head  and  back,  black  ; 
gill-covers  a  brighter  yellow  than  the  sides  ;  preoperculum  less 
brilliant  than  the  operculum.  Head  above  somewhat  depressed; 
eyes,  two  and  a  half  lines  in  diameter  ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  yel- 
low ;  jaws  without  teeth.  The  lateral  line,  consisting  of  about 
fifty-six  scales,  commences  just  back  of  the  superior  angle  of 
the  operculum,  half  an  inch  above  the  base  of  the  pectoral  fin, 
and  passing  obliquely  down  over  about  eighteen  scales,  oppo- 
site the  posterior  extremity  of  the  pectoral  fins,  very  gradually 
passes  up  again  towards  the  posterior  extremity  of  the  body, 
assuming  a  straight  course,  which  is  pursued  to  the  base  of  the 
tail. 

The  Dorsal  fin  is  of  a  light  brown  color ;  it  commences 
about  three  lines  back  of  the  ventral  fins,  is  five  lines  wide  at 
the  base,  and  partially  shuts  into  a  groove. 

The  Pectoral  fins  commence  on  a  line  with  the  posterior 
angle  of  the  operculum ;  they  are  an  inch  long ;  yellowish, 
except  the  upper  rays,  which  are  nearly  black. 

The  Ventrals  are  reddish. 

The  Anal  fin,  which  is  slightly  tinged  with  reddish,  com- 
mences on  a  line  opposite  the  termination  of  the  base  of  the 
dorsal,  and,  like  that  fin,  is  received  into  a  groove. 

The  Caudal  quite  deeply  forked ;  of  the  same  color  as  the 
dorsal. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  9 ;  P.  17  ;  V.  9  ;  A.  13  ; 
C.  19. 

12 


90  FISHES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

This  fish  is  taken  at  all  seasons,  even  through  the  ice  in 
winter.  It  is  seldom  found  in  Boston  market,  but  is  generally 
taken  for  pickerel  bait,  and  is  considered  the  best  bait  for  that 
fish. 


L.     argentcus.     Nobis.      The  silvery  Lcuciscus. 

By  the  name  of  "  Dace"  this  species,  which  I  suppose  to 
be  undescribed,  is  generally  known  in  those  portions  of  the 
State  where  it  is  found.  The  specimen  before  me  I  received 
from  Worcester  county.  The  following  are  its  characters : 

Entire  length  of  the  specimen,  six  inches  two  lines ;  depth 
of  the  head,  half  an  inch  ;  depth  of  the  body  across  from  the 
origin  of  the  dorsal  fin,  one  inch  one  line.  Body  elongated, 
but  very  slightly  arched  over  the  neck,  and  at  the  dorsal  fin. 
Whole  surface  of  the  body,  silvery ;  rather  darker  upon  the 
back ;  head  above,  bluish  ;  operculum  cupreous  ;  preoperculum 
rather  inclined  to  a  flesh  color ;  exterior  to  the  operculum,  a 
narrow  dark  band  encircles  the  head,  from  the  base  of  the  pec- 
torals, separating  the  head  from  the  body.  Scales  on  the  body 
moderate  in  size. — nine,  in  an  oblique  line,  from  the  origin  of 
the  dorsal  to  the  lateral  line  ;  and  four  in  an  oblique  line  be- 
neath. Entire  head  destitute  of  scales  ;  head  above,  flattened  ; 
diameter  of  the  eye,  one  quarter  of  an  inch  ;  distance  between 
the  eyes,  half  an  inch.  Nostrils  double  ;  the  anterior,  circular  ; 
the  posterior,  oblique  and  larger.  Jaws  toothless  ;  upper  jaw  the 
longer.  The  lateral  line  commences  on  the  side  of  the  snout, 
and  passing  back  under  the  eyes,  and  up  over  the  posterior  an- 
gle of  the  gill-covers,  curves  downwards  for  the  extent  of  eight 
scales,  to  opposite  the  middle  of  the  pectorals,  and  then  pur- 
sues a  straight  course  to  the  caudal  rays. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  upon  the  anterior  half  of  the 
body,  including  the  tail ;  rays  higher  than  long,  color  of  the 
back ;  the  first  ray  half  as  high  as  the  second. 

The  Pectorals  commence  beneath,  and  on  a  line  with  the 
posterior  angle  of  the  operculum,  elongated,  lighter  colored 


FISHES  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  91 

than  the  dorsal  j  length  to  height  as  1  to  4 ;  same  height  as 
the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Ventrals  are  directly  heneath  the  dorsal  fin,  three  quar- 
ters the  height  of  the  pectorals  ;  color  of  the  abdomen. 

The  Anal  fin  is  one  quarter  of  an  inch  hack  of  the  ventrals ; 
its  length  to  its  height  as  2  to  3  ;  color  of  the  ventrals. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  deeply  forked  ;  as  high  again  as  long. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  9 ;  P.  16 ;  V.  8  ;  A.  9  ; 
C.  20. 

This  species  agrees  in  many  particulars  with  the  "  L.  dobu- 
la"  but  its  naked  head,  and  the  origin  of  its  lateral  line  pre- 
vent it  from  being  considered  that  species. 


L.    pulchellus.     Nobis.      The  beautiful  Leudscus. 

This  fine  species  answers  in  some  particulars  to  the  descrip- 
tion and  figure  of  the  "Ij.  rutilus,"  and  this  is  undoubtedly 
the  reason  why  it  is  often  called  the  "  Roach"  In  some  por- 
tions of  the  State  it  receives  the  name  of  "  Cousin  Trout." 

For  the  beautiful  specimen  which  enables  me  to  draw  up 
the  following  description,  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  H.  Erastus 
Clap,  of  Walpole. 

Entire  length,  fourteen  inches ;  depth  across,  in  front  of  the 
ventrals,  three  inches ;  depth  of  the  fleshy  portion  of  the  tail, 
one  inch  and  a  quarter.  Length  of  the  head,  three  inches. 
Back  slightly  arched,  of  a  dark  brown  color ;  sides  and  abdo- 
men of  a  beautiful  flesh  color,  tinged  with  golden  reflections. 
Head  bluish  on  the  top  :  gill-covers  silvery,  with  cupreous  and 
flesh-colored  tints,  and  edged  with  a  brown  membranous  pro- 
longation. Head  naked ;  arch  on  the  top  of  the  head  very 
slight ;  diameter  of  the  eye  rather  more  than  one  twelfth  the 
length  of  the  head ;  distance  between  the  eyes  equal  to  one 
third  the  length  of  the  head.  Nostrils  situated  higher  than 
the  eyes,  and  in  front  of  them  ;  the  posterior,  the  larger ;  the 
anterior,  tubular.  Jaws  without  teeth  ;  upper  jaw  juts  slightly 
over  the  under.  Scales  upon  the  body  large,  transparent, 


n  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

rounded  at  the  summit,  truncated  at  th*ir  base,  exhibiting  nu- 
merous strise ;  at  the  base  of  each  scale,  a  fleshy,  dark-colored 
membrane  exists,  which,  projecting  as  far  as  the  apex  of  the 
preceding  scale,  gives  the  appearance  of  indistinct  oblique 
bands  across  the  fish ;  scales  smaller  upon  the  back,  and 
smallest  upon  the  throat.  The  lateral  line  commences  at  the 
superior  angle  of  the  operculum,  and  curving  downwards  nine 
scales,  pursues  nearly  a  straight  course  to  the  tail.  The  lateral 
line  is  composed  of  fifty-one  scales ;  nine  scales  are  situated 
above  the  lateral  line  in  an  oblique  line  from  the  origin  of  the 
dorsal  fin,  and  six  below  the  lateral  line. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  on  the  anterior  half  of  the  body ;  is 
nearly  as  high  again  as  long ;  the  first  ray  is  one  fourth  the 
height  of  the  second  ;  the  general  color  of  the  firi  like  the  back ; 
the  firmest  portion  of  the  rays,  reddish. 

The  Pectorals  arise  beneath,  and  one  line  anterior  to  the 
posterior  angle  of  the  operculum ;  above,  brownish ;  beneath, 
lighter,  rounded  at  their  extremities  ;  length  to  height  as  1  to  4. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  beneath  the  dorsal ;  above,  color 
of  the  abdomen  ;  shorter  than  the  pectorals. 

The  Anal  arises  opposite  a  line  about  three  quarters  of  an 
inch  back  of  the  dorsal  fin,  and  is  higher  than  long.  The  first 
ray  bears  the  same  proportion  to  the  length  of  the  second,  as 
the  first  ray  of  the  dorsal  to  the  second  ray  of  that  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  large ;  height  of  the  rays  in  the  middle  of 
the  fin,  one  inch ;  width  at  the  extremities,  when  expanded, 
three  inches. 

The  number  of  the  fin  rays  is  as  follows :  D.  10 ;  P.  17  j 
V.  8  ;  A.  10 ;  C.  22. 


L.     atronasus.     Mitchell.      The  brook  Minnow. 
Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  p.  460. 

This  beautiful  little  species  is  seen  in  our  brooks  in  large 
numbers.  From  a  specimen  an  inch  and  six  lines  in  length,  I 
draw  up  the  following  description :  Greatest  depth,  four  lines. 


FISHES  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  93 

Upper  part  of  the  body  greenish ;  a  broad  black  band  passes 
from  the  snout  across  the  eye  longitudinally  through  the  mid- 
dle of  the  fish  to  the  caudal  rays ;  body  beneath  this  band 
white,  with  cupreous  reflections.  Upon  the  upper  edge  of  this 
band,  runs  the  lateral  line.  Above  this,  a  golden  parallel  band 
narrower  than  the  darker  colored ;  from  the  anterior  portion  of 
the  head,  along  the  dorsal  ridge,  a  narrow  band;  similar  to  that 
last  spoken  of.  When  the  fish  is  swimming,  the  three  bands 
give  it  a  very  pleasing  appearance.  Length  of  the  head  about  one 
fifth  the  length  of  the  fish  j  the  top  of  the  head  darker  colored 
than  the  rest  of  the  fish,  flattened.  Jaws  destitute  of  teeth  ;  the 
upper  jaw  the  longer,  semi-circular ;  lip  corrugated  •;  the  lower 
jaw  elevated  to  a  point  in  its  middle,  forming  a  triangle.  Eyes 
moderate  in  size ;  pupils  black  j  irides  golden.  Gill-covers 
silvery,  with  golden  reflections.  Scales  on  the  body  small ; 
nine  scales  in  an  oblique  line  from  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  to 
the  lateral  line. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  just  in  front  of  the  ventrals  ;  brownish  ; 
transparent ;  higher  than  long. 

The  Pectoral  fins  yellowish  •  arising  on  a  line  with  the  pos- 
terior angle  of  gill-covers. 

The  Ventrals  of  the  color  of  the  abdomen,  are  situated  under 
the  middle  of  the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Anal  is  situated  just  in  front  of  the  caudal  fin  ;  its 
length  equal  to  one  third  its  height. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  forked. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  13  ;  P.  10  ;  V.  9  ;  A.  7  ; 
C.  18. 


HYDRARGIRA.     Le  Sueur. 

Generic  characters.  Ventral  fins  6  rayed  ;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
and  throat  ;  those  of  the  jaws  conic  and  recurved  ;  none  in  the 
palate  ;  jaws  protractile  ;  lower  jaw  longer  than  the  upper  one  : 
dorsal  fin  one,  situate  nearer  the  tail  than  the  head,  opposite  to 
the  anal  fin  :  scales  on  the  opercula  and  body :  head  fiat, 
shielded  above  with  large  scales,  the  centre  scale  largest. 


94  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


H.     nigro-fasdata.     Le  Sueur.      The  banded  Minnow. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  133. 

Several  specimens  of  a  beautiful  little  species  answering  in 
the  important  characters  to  Le  Sueur's  "  nigro  fjsciata" 
'  were  sent  me  by  Dr.  Yale.  From  the  largest  of  these,  I  draw 
up  the  following  description  : 

Length  of  fish  two  inches.  Color  above,  a  yellowish  green ; 
beneath,  silvery  white,  crossed  transversely  by  from  ten  to  four- 
teen black  bars  commencing  upon  each  side  of  the  dorsal  ridge, 
and  passing  down  towards  the  abdomen  ;  the  bands  cross  en- 
tirely the  fleshy  portion  of  the  tail ;  in  front  of  the  ventrals, 
they  reach  only  the  lateral  edges  of  the  abdomen.  Length  of 
the  head  half  an  inch.  Head  flattened  above.  Eyes  less  than 
a  line  in  diameter,  which  is  less  than  the  distance  between  the 
eyes.  Gill-covers  silvery,  with  a  bluish  blotch  upon  the  oper- 
culum.  Jaws  very  projectile  •  the  lower  slightly  in  advance 
of  the  upper. 

The  Dorsal  fin  is  just  back  of  the  middle  of  the  body  ; 
transparent ;  greenish  white  j  height  equal  to  its  length. 

The  Pectorals  are  lighter  colored  than  the  dorsal ;  length  to 
height  as  1  to  4. 

The  Ventrals  are  quite  small,  the  color  of  the  abdomen  j 
commencing  on  a  line  with  the  extremities  of  the  pectorals. 

The  Anal  fin  the  color  of  the  ventrals  ;  length  to  height  as 
Ito3. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  yellowish  ;  length  to  height  as  1  to  3. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  12  ;  P.  18  ;  V.  6 ;  A.  12  ;  C.  17. 


H.     ornata.     Le  Sueur.      The  ornamented  Minnow. 
Journal  Academy  Nat  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  131. 

This  species  of  Hydrargira,  very  common  about  the  salt 
marshes  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  I  suppose  to  be  a  variety  of 
the  "  ornata"  of  Le  Sueur.  It  may  be  taken  in  large  num- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  95 

bers  with  small  hand  nets.  I  am  not  aware  that  it  is  often 
made  use  of;  but  I  have  seen  a  flock  of  the  domestic  duck 
swallowing  it  with  the  greatest  avidity,  when  thrown  to  them 
in  quantities,  in  the  same  manner  as  grain. 

The  specimen  before  me  is  three  inches  in  length.  Back 
dark  brown  ;  sides  lighter ;  beneath  white.  Back  depressed  ; 
sides  in  some  specimens  of  a  beautiful  metallic  tint,  giving  the 
appearance  of  an  indistinctly  defined  yellow  band.  Length  of 
the  head,  three  quarters  of  an  inch ;  flattened  above ;  gape  of  the 
mouth  moderate  ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  small  and  sharp  ;  the  lower 
jaw  curves  upwards.  Eyes  of  moderate  size  :  irides  yellow- 
ish ;  the  circle  immediately  surrounding  the  pupil,  a  bright 
yellow.  Preoperculum  of  a  silvery  white  color ;  operculum, 
a  bright  metallic  yellow. 

The  Dorsal,  pectoral  and  caudal  fins,  color  of  the  back  ;  ven- 
tral and  anal  fins,  lighter. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  half  way  between  the  head  and 
the  tail :  rather  longer  than  high. 

The  length  of  the  Pectorals  is  two  lines  ;  height,  six  lines. 

The  Ventrals  are  very  small. 

The  Anal  fin  is  situated  under  the  middle  of  the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  rounded. 

The  fin  rays  as  follows  :  D.  12  ;  P.  15  ;  V.  6;  A.  10  ;  C.  18. 

In  the  smaller  specimens,  a  bright  yellow  spot  is  seen  at  the 
origin  of  the  dorsal  fin,  while  they  are  swimming  ;  after  death, 
this  mark  is  not  observed. 


H.    flavula.     Mitchell.      The  Basse  Fry. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Thilosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  439. 
Boston  Journal  of  Natural  History,  vol.  i.  p.  418. 

Meeting  two  years  since  with  a  fish  belonging  to  the  genus 
"Hydrargira"  not  described  by  Le  Sueur  in  his  paper  upon, 
that  genus,  under  the  name  of  "  trifasciata,"  I  published  a  de- 
scription of  it  in  the  "  Boston  Journal  of  Natural  History" 
I  have  before  me  at  the  present  moment,  (June  13th,  1838,)  a 


96  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

second  specimen  of  this  species,  sent  me  by  Dr.  Yale  ;  and  I 
am  satisfied  it  is  the  same  fish  that  Mitchell  described  as  the 
"Esoxflavulus"  in  his  "Fishes  of  New  York,"  and  that  Cu- 
vier,  in  his  notes  to  the  Regne  Animal,  considers  as  the  "Cypri- 
nodonflavulus"  Valenc.  As  the  branchiostegous  membrane 
has  but  five  rays,  it  cannot  be  a  "Cyprinodon,"  Lacep.  the 
species  of  that  genus  having  six  rays.  It  is,  however,  evi- 
dently Mitchell's  fish,  incorrectly  called  by  him  an  "  Esox." 
Although  placed  by  him  in  a  family  to  which  it  did  not  be- 
long, still,  as  Le  Sueur's  genus  was  formed  three  years  after 
Mitchell's  description  was  drawn  up,  and  as  Mitchell  accurate- 
ly described  it,  his  specific  name  has  the  priority  j  most  cheer- 
fully, therefore,  is  the  specific  name  applied  by  me,  relinquished. 
Mitchell  calls  it  the  "  New  York  Gudgeon  :"  by  our  fisher- 
men, however,  it  is  known  by  the  name  of  "Basse  Fry"  from 
its  resemblance  in  the  bands  to  the  "Striped  Basse."  I  have 
adopted  this  common  name. 

The  following  is  my  description,  extracted  from  the  Journal 
of  the  "  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History  :"  Four  longitudi- 
nal bands  on  each  side  of  the  body,  and  three  transverse  bands 
between  the  termination  of  the  longitudinal  bands  and  the 
base  of  the  tail.  The  upper  part  of  the  body  is  of  a  yellowish 
green  ;  on  each  side  are  four  dark  colored  bands,  running 
almost  the  entire  length  of  the  fish  j  the  first  of  these  is  high 
on  the  back  ;  the  second  passes  from  the  upper  edge  of  the 
operculum,  in  a  direct  line  to  its  termination ;  the  remaining 
two,  commencing  back  of  the  pectoral  fin,  run  obliquely  up- 
wards and  backwards,  to  a  point  on  a  line  with  the  centre  of 
the  ventral  fin,  then  turn  gently  down,  and  are  continued  par- 
allel with  the  two  other  bands. 

At  the  base  of  the  tail  are  three  transverse  bands  of  a  simi- 
lar color.  All  the  under  portion  of  the  body  is  of  a  brilliant 
yellow.  Snout  elongated.  Lower  jaw  straight.  Length  of 
specimen  5  inches  5  lines  ;  thickness  seven  and  a  half  lines  ; 
depth  one  inch  and  one  and  a  half  lines. 

The  fin  rays  are :  D.  14 ;  P.  18  ;  V.  6  ;  A.  12 ;  C.  18. 

This  fish  was  taken  with  other  species  of  this  genus  in  the 
marshes  of  this  vicinity. 


* 

FISHES  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  97 

The  specimen  now  before  me  varies  in  some  slight  particu- 
lars. Its  length  is  four  and  a  half  inches,  duite  a  number 
of  black  spots  upon  the  back.  Two  longitudinal  bands  on 
the  sides  :  the  upper,  unbroken  throughout  its  entire  extent  ; 
the  inferior  broken  at  the  posterior  half  of  the  body  j  the  ante- 
rior being  higher  than  the  posterior  portion  of  the  band.  Four 
transverse  lines  between  the  extremity  of  the  longitudinal 
bands,  and  the  caudal  rays  ;  that  next  to  the  tail,  longer  than 
either  of  the  others. 

The  fin  rays  are  :     D.  15  ;  P.  17  ;  V.  6  ;  A.  11 ;  C.  20. 


FAMILY  II. 
ESOCES. 

Esox.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Head  depressed,  large,  oblong,  blunt ; 
jaios,  palatine  bones,  and  vomer.  furnished  with  teeth  of  vari- 
ous sizes  ;  body  elongated,  rounded  on  the  back  ;  sides  com- 
pressed, covered  with  scales  ;  dorsal  fin  placed  very  far  back, 
over  the  anal  fin. 

E.     reticulatus.     Le  Sueur.      The  common  Pickerel 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  414. 

This  fish,  one  of  our  most  beautiful  species,  is  known 
throughout  the  state  as  the  " pickerel '."  It  is  taken  in  most  of 
the  po(nds  and  rivers,  and  is  every  where  valued.  Brought  to 
Boston  market  in  the  spring  and  autumn,  and  frequently 
through  the  greater  part  of  the  winter,  it  meets  with  a  ready 
sale.  The  largest  specimens  are  received  from  Brewster,  Cape 
Cod  ;  individuals  have  been  sold  in  Quincy  market  from  that 
place,  weighing  seven  pounds  :  and  they  are  said  to  be  taken 
there  considerably  larger  even  than  this.  Its  color  varies  ex- 
ceedingly in  different  localities ;  thus,  while  in  some  ponds  it 
is  of  a  greenish  brown  color,  in  others,  the  entire  surface  is  of 
a  brilliant  golden ;  all  however  are  more  or  less  distinctly 
13 


98  FISHES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

marked  with  the  irregularly  distributed  longitudinal  lines.  The 
fishermen  have  an  idea  that  the  oil  of  this  species,  carefully 
prepared,  is  a  good  application  for  ear-ache,  and  it  is  collected 
by  some  for  that  purpose. 

The  specimen  before  me  is  sixteen  inches  in  length  ;  head 
about  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  body  ;  width  of  the  head 
in  front  of  the  eyes,  equal  to  half  of  its  length.  Body  above 
green  ;  sides  of  a  beautiful  golden  yellow,  marked  over  their 
whole  extent  with  dark  lateral  lines  about  one  third  of  an  inch 
in  width,  which,  by  their  irregular  union,  produce  imperfect  re- 
ticulations :  beneath  white.  Snout  obtuse  :  gape  of  the  mouth 
great.  Lower  jaw  longer  than  the  upper  ;  teeth  in  front  of  the 
lower  jaw  small ;  on  sides  large  and  pointed.  Eyes  moderate 
in  size  ;  pupils  black,  irides  yellow.  Nostrils  double.  Fins 
greenish.  The  pectoral,  anal  and  ventral  fins  become  reddish 
after  death  ;  this  is  more  marked  in  the  larger  specimens. 

The  Dorsal  fin  from  one  to  two  lines  longer  than  the  anal. 

The  Pectorals  commence  on  a  line  with  the  sixteenth  bran- 
chial ray,  (counting  from  the  anterior  portion  of  the  head  back- 
wards. ) 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  two  and  a  half  inches  in  front  of 
the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Anus  is  large  ;  two  lines  in  front  of  the  anal  fin. 

The  commencement  of  the  Caudal  fin  is  about  two  inches 
back  of  the  dorsal  fin. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  B.  IT ;  D.  18  ;  P.  13 ;  Y.  11 ;  A.  17  ; 
C.  19. 


BELONE.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Head  and  body  greatly  elongated ;  the 
latter  covered  with  minute  scales  ;  both  jaws  very  much  pro- 
duced, straight,  narrow,  and  pointed  ;  armed  with  numerous 
small  teeth;  the  dorsal  fin  placed  over  the  anal  fin. 

B.     truncata.     Le  Sueur.      The  Gar  Fish. 
Journal  Academy  Nat  Sciences,  vol.  ii.  p.  J26. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  99 

To  Dr.  Yale  I  am  indebted  for  a  fine  specimen  of  this  spe- 
cies, taken  at  Holmes  Hole,  which  enables  me  to  offer  the  ac- 
companying description.  Length  fifteen  inches ;  greatest 
depth  one  inch.  Above,  of  a  light  green  color  ;  beneath,  a 
clear  silvery  white.  Just  above  the  base  of  the  pectorals,  a 
deep  blue  band  arises  and  passes  in  a  straight  line  to  the  origin 
of  the  dorsal  fin.  Length  of  the  head,  from  the  angle  of  the 
jaws  to  the  posterior  portion  of  rhe  operculum,  one  inch  six 
lines  ;  flattened  above,  compressed  on  the  sides.  Length  of  the 
lower  mandible,  from  the  tip  to  the  eyes,  three  inches  five  lines, 
and  fleshy  at  its  tip ;  three  lines  longer  than  the  upper  mandible  ; 
both  mandibles  armed  with  distant,  very  sharp,  conical  teeth, 
between  which  are  numerous  others,  very  minute ;  no  teeth 
tipon  the  upper  mandible,  for  the  extent  of  two  lines  from  its 
extremity.  Eyes  circular,  three  lines  in  diameter ;  pupils 
black,  irides  silvery.  Distance  between  the  eyes  about  equal 
to  the  diameter  of  the  eyes.  Gill-covers  silvery  ;  at  the  pos- 
terior edge  of  the  preoperculum,  a  vertical  blue  band,  about 
four  lines  long.  Immediately  in  front  of  the  eyes,  a  triangular 
space,  in  which  are  situated  the  nostrils. 

The  lateral  line  arises  at  the  inferior  angle  of  the  opercu- 
lum,  and  passing  gradually  up  to  the  posterior  extremities  of 
the  pectorals,  assumes  a  straight  line,  which  is  continued  to 
the  base  of  the  caudal  rays. 

The  Dorsal  fin  is  situated  upon  the  posterior  fourth  of  the 
body  ;  transparent,  greenish,  falciform,  high  anteriorly,  very 
low  posteriorly. 

The  whitish  Pectorals  are  directly  back  of,  and  upon  a  line 
with,  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum ;  their  length  to  the 
height  of  their  longest  rays,  is  as  2  to  8. 

The  Ventrals,  of  the  color  of  the  abdomen,  are  placed  back 
of  the  middle  of  the  body  ;  their  length  to  their  height  is  as  1 
to  4. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  in  front  of  the  dorsal,  and  termi- 
nates upon  the  same  plane  as  that  fin  ;  its  longest  rays  are 
longer  than  those  of  the  dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  slightly  truncated  obliquely,  the  lower 
portion  being  the  longer. 


100  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  15  ;  P.  12  ;  V.  6  ;  A.  19  ;  C.  20. 

I  have  no  doubt  of  this  being  Le  Sueur's  "  truncata  :"  he 
describes  his  specimen  as  being  a  "  deep  blue  on  the  back ;"  it 
might  have  been  a  more  recent  specimen  than  mine  ;  or  the 
color  of  the  fish  before  me  may  have  been  impaired  by  the 
salt  in  which  it  was  sent  me.  In  all  important  characters  it 
answers  perfectly  to  the  species  under  which  I  arrange  it. 
- 

SCOMBERESOX.     Lacepede. 

Generic  characters.  The  species  of  this  genus  have  the 
same  structure  of  the  jaws  as  those  of  Belone  ;  and  are  simi- 
lar also  in  the  form  of  body  and  scales,  ivith  a  keel-like  edge 
to  the  belly  ;  but  the  posterior  portions  of  the  dorsal  and  anal 
fins  are  divided,  forming  jinlets,  as  in  the  mackerel. 

S.     equirostrum.     Le  Sneur.      The  Bill  Fish. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  ii.  p.  132. 

Le  Sneur  described  this  species  from  a  dried  specimen  in  the 
cabinet  of  the  Linnean  Society,  which  formerly  existed  in 
Boston ;  his  description  shows  his  specimen  to  have  been  an 
imperfect  one.  I  have  seen  no  specimen  in  which  the  jaws 
were  of  equal  length  ;  the  lower  jaw  was  undoubtedly  broken 
in  the  specimen  seen  by  Le  Sueur,  as  is  very  apt  to  be  the 
case  in  dried  specimens  of  this  genus,  else  he  could  not  have 
called  it  "  equirostrum  ;"  still,  as  some  naturalists  think  a  spe- 
cific name  need  not  point  out  any  particular  character,  and  as 
I  have  no  desire  to  detract  from  the  labors  of  another,  I  shall 
point  out  here  the  characters  as  they  exist  in  the  recent  speci- 
men, and  leave  Le  Sueur's  name  to  be  changed,  should  it  ever 
be  thought  advisable,  by  some  succeeding  ichthyologist. 

This  fish  makes  its  appearance  at  Cape  Cod,  usually,  in  the 
month  of  October,  sometimes  earlier  and  sometimes  later,  how- 
ever, depending  upon  the  season.  It  is  taken  in  immense 
numbers  by  the  inhabitants  of  some  of  the  towns  upon  the 
Cape,  and  considered  by  them  very  nutritious  and  grateful  food. 


UNIVERSfTY  OF  CALIFORMf/l 
MUSEUM  OF  VERTEBRATE  ZOOLOGY 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  101 

From  a  fine  specimen  sent  me  by  Dr.  Yale,  which  was  taken 
upon  Nantucket  Shoals,  I  have  drawn  up  the  following  ac- 
count :  Entire  length,  ten  inches ;  from  the  extremity  of  the 
lower  jaw  to  the  anterior  angle  of  the  eye.  one  and  three  quar- 
ter inches.  Body  quite  thick,  nearly  of  equal  width  and  depth 
from  the  pectorals  to  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin.  Back,  for 
the  depth  of  a  quarter  of  an  inch,  of  an  olive  green  color ;  di- 
rectly beneath  this,  a  silvery  band  half  an  inch  wide,  almost 
as  strongly  marked  as  in  the  "  Atherines"  runs  the  whole 
length  of  the  body,  divided  in  its  centre  by  a  narrow  longitu- 
dinal line  of  the  same  color  as  the  back.  Abdomen  silvery, 
with  a  cupreous  tinge.  Head,  including  the  jaws,  three  inches 
long,  quite  narrow,  compared  with  the  body,  of  a  deep  green 
color  above  ;  gill-covers  large,  smooth,  silvery ;  jaws  at  their 
origin  armed  with  very  minute  teeth  ;  the  lower  jaw  one  quarter 
of  an  inch  longer  than  the  upper ;  eye  one  quarter  of  an  inch 
in  diameter ;  distance  between  the  eyes,  rather  greater  than  the 
diameter  of  the  eye. 

The  Dorsal  fin,  of  a  greenish  color,  is  situated  upon  the  pos- 
terior half  of  the  body,  longer  than  high ;  back  of  it,  five  fin- 
lets,  of  the  same  color  as  the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Pectorals  are  situated  at  the  posterior  angle  of  the  oper- 
culum,  dark  colored  at  their  fleshy  origin ;  the  rays  silvery ; 
the  first  ray  longer  and  much  broader  than  the  others. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  one  inch  arid  a  quarter  in  front  of 
the  anal  fin  ;  color  of  the  abdomen  ;  triangular,  half  of  an  inch 
high. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  directly  opposite  the  dorsal,  and 
terminates  upon  the  same  plane  as  that  fin  ;  between  it  and 
the  tail,  five  yellow  finlets. 

The  Caudal  is  equilobed,  with  transverse  black  lines  upon 
the  rays,  resembling  the  joints  of  a  reed. 

On  each  side  of  the  abdomen,  commencing  at  the  lower  edge 
of  the  gill-covers,  a  longitudinal  furrow,  which  passes  along 
the  whole  length  of  the  body,  having  between  them  a  space 
of  a  quarter  of  an  inch,  the  space  wider  at  the  ventrals. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows:  D.  10;  P.  14 ;  V.  6 ;  A.  12; 
C.  20. 


102  FISHES  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

Another  specimen  taken  with  the  preceding,  lies  before  me, 
agreeing  in  all  important  particulars, — -form,  color,  proportionate 
length  of  jaivs,  and  member  of  fin  rays  ;  but  having,  like  the 
"  scutellatum"  (which  Le  Sueur  described  from  a  specimen 
"  found  in  the  stomach  of  a  fresh  codfish,  which  had  been 
brought  to  Boston  from  the  Bank  of  Newfoundland,")  six  dor- 
sal finlets  and  seven  anal ;  showing  that  the  number  of  finlets 
cannot  be  relied  upon  for  a  specific  character. 


FAMILY  III. 
SILURIDJG. 


PIMELODUS.      Lacepede. 


Generic  characters.  Body  covered  with  a  naked  skin;  no 
lateral  armature;  jaws  and  often  palatine  bones  furnished 
with  teeth}  but  there  is  no  band  of  teeth  on  the  vomer  parallel 
to  that  on  the  upper  jaw.  The  form  of  the  head  varies  exceed- 
ingly, as  well  as  the  number  of  its  barbules. 

P.     nebulosus.     Le  Sueur.      The  Horned  Pout. 
M6moires  du  Museum  d'Histoire  Naturelle,  t.  v.  p.  149. 

This  species  very  common  in  our  ponds  and  streams,  in  com- 
pany with  the  "  Percaflavescens,"  "  Pomotis  vulgaris"  "  La- 
brax  mucronatus,"  "  Leuciscus  crysoleucas,"  &c.  is  known  in 
the  interior  of  the  State  by  the  vulgar  names  of  "  Horn  pout," 
and  "  Minister."  By  many,  it  is  highly  esteemed  as  an  article 
of  food,  and  preferred  to  every  species  of  our  common  fluviatile 
fishes,  save  the  pickerel  It  is  generally  fried,  the  skin  having 
previously  been  removed.  Specimens  are  occasionally  met 
with,  weighing  three  quarters  of  a  pound. 

From  a  living  specimen  seven  inches  in  length,  the  follow- 
ing account  is  drawn  up.  Color  fuliginous,  darker  upon  the 
head  and  back,  approaching  to  black ;  lighter  upon  the  sides, 


I 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  103 

tinged  with  cupreous ;  white  beneath,  in  front  of  the  ventrals. 
Length  of  the  head  to  the  entire  length  of  the  fish,  as  1£  to  7. 
Greatest  width  of  the  head,  equal  to  one  seventh  the  length  of 
the  fish ;  greatest  depth  of  the  fish,  more  than  equal  to  one 
seventh  the  length  of  the  fish.  Head  flattened  above  ;  upper 
jaw  longer  than  the  lower ;  both  furnished  with  numerous 
small  teeth  ;  eight  cirrhi  about  the  head.  From  the  angle  of 
the  upper  jaw  on  each  side,  one  projects,  one  and  a  half  inch 
long,  tapering  to  a  point ;  another,  three  quarters  of  an  inch 
long,  back  of  and  above  this  ;  beneath  the  lower  jaw,  are  also 
four  cirrhi,  two  on  each  side  of  its  middle  ;  the  outer,  one  inch 
long ;  the  inner,  three  quarters  of  an  inch  long.  All  these 
cirrhi  are  of  the  same  color.  Eyes  small,  one  line  in  diameter  ; 
the  distance  between  the  eyes  equal  to  about  half  the  length  of 
the  head.  Two  blunted  spines  on  the  humeral  bone  ;  the  up- 
per, much  the  smaller.  The  lateral  line  arises  above  the  pos- 
terior angle  of  the  operculum,  and  runs  nearly  a  straight  course 
to  the  tail. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  about  half  an  inch  back  of  the  pecto- 
rals ;  length  to  height  as  1  to  2.  A  small  adipose  fin  a  short 
distance  in  front  of  the  tail. 

The  Pectorals  are  situated  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the 
posterior  angle  of  the  operculum ;  length  to  height  as  3  to  12 ; 
their  outer  ray  is  spinous,  and  serrated  upon  its  outer  edge  ;  it 
is  marked  at  its  point,  and  is  three  lines  shorter  than  the  first 
fleshy  ray. 

The  Ventrals  arise  on  a  line  just  back  of  the  dorsal  fin ; 
length  to  height  as  4  to  9.  Anus  large,  oblong,  between  the 
posterior  half  of  the  ventrals. 

The  height  of  the  Anal  fin  equal  to  half  its  length. 

The  length  of  the  Caudal  almost  equal  to  its  height.  All 
the  fins  are  dark  colored. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  1-5 ;    P.  1-8 ;  Y.  8 ;  A.  21 ;  C.  19. 

In  the  dead  fish,  the  dark  coloring  matter  readily  rubs  off; 
and  the  specimen,  if  untouched  also,  rapidly  becomes  of  a 
lighter  color. 

In  one  specimen  I  have  seen,  a  large  black  blotch  was  situ- 


104  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

ated  just  beneath  the  lower  jaw,  and  the  whole  interior  portion 
of  the  lower  jaw,  including  the  teeth  and  far  back  of  them, 
was  colored  with  a  deep  black  pigment. 

=== 

FAMILY  IV. 
SALMON1DES. 

SALMO.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Head  smooth,  covered  with  scales  ;  two 
dorsal  fins,  the  first  supported  by  rays,  the  second  fleshy,  with- 
out rays  ;  teeth  on  the  vomer,  both  palatine  bones,  and  all  the 
maxillary  bones;  branchiostegoas  rays  varying  in  number, 
generally  from  ten  to  twelve,  but  sometimes  unequal  on  the  two 
sides  of  the  head  of  the  same  fish. 

S.     solar.     Lin.     The  Salmon. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iv.  249  et  fig. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  2<22. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  1.  fig. 
^tr*--' 

The  building  of  dams  and  manufacturing  establishments,  by 
preventing  the  fishes  from  going  up  the  rivers  to  deposit  their 
spawn,  has  almost  entirely  annihilated  this  species  in  our  State. 
Forty-five  years  since,  it  was  very  abundant  in  the  Merrimac 
river,  so  much  so  that  nine  individuals  have  been  taken  in  an 
afternoon  by  one  person  with  a  dip  net;  and  the  usual  price 
was  eight  cents  per  pound.  About  seventeen  years  since,  two 
wagons,  each  bringing  from  30  to  40  fine  salmon  from  the 
Merrimac  river,  supplied  the  Boston  market  every  week  dur- 
ing the  season  of  the  fish.  Now  the  few  specimens  taken  are 
looked  upon  as  rarities,  and  our  market  is  supplied  by  the  fish- 
ery of  the  Kennebec.  The  average  weights  of  the  Merrimac 
salmon  are  from  9  to  12,  and  from  16  to  22  pounds.  The 
largest  weigh  from  30  to  40  pounds.  They  have  been  caught 
during  every  rnpnth  in  the  year.  The  greatest  run  of  salmon, 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  105 

up  the  river,  is  about  the  first  of  June.  The  fishermen  say 
the  young  salmon  are  never  seen  on  their  return. 

The  price  of  this  species  of  late  years  in  our  market,  varies 
exceedingly,  from  $2  to  20  cents  per  pound.  The  largest 
specimen,  so  far  as  I  can  learn,  that  has  been  sold  in  Boston 
market,  weighed  34  pounds  j  and  the  greatest  price  ever  re- 
ceived for  one  fish,  in  the  same  market,  was  $50. 

The  following  description  is  drawn  up  from  a  specimen 
thirty  inches  in  length,  and  weighing  eighteen  pounds  :  Its 
width  across,  from  the  commencement  of  the  dorsal  fin,  is  eight 
inches  ;  its  greatest  depth  three  inches  and  a  half.  Of  a  beau- 
tiful, brilliant,  bluish  silver  color  above  j  lighter  upon  the  sides ; 
white  beneath  ;  black  blotches  upon  the  sides,  much  more  nu- 
merous above  the  lateral  line,  for  the  most  part  surrounding  the 
outline  of  the  scales,  leaving  the  color  of  the  bodies  unchanged  j 
the  spots  upon  the  scaleless  head  are  unbroken,  and  of  a  deeper 
color.  Length  of  the  head  equal  to  one  fifth  the  length  of  the 
fish.  Head  naked,  sloping,  darker  colored  above  than  the 
back  of  the  specimen.  Gill-covers  light  silver  colored.  Eyes 
small ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  silvery.  Diameter  of  the  eye  equal 
to  one  quarter  the  distance  between  the  eyes.  Nostrils  placed 
vertically,  much  nearer  the  eyes  than  the  extremity  of  the 
snout.  Upper  jaw  the  longer,  receiving  into  a  notch,  at  its 
middle,  the  prominent  tip  of  the  lower  jaw ;  both  jaws  armed 
with  a  few  sharp  incurved  teeth,  as  well  as  the  palatine  bones, 
vomer  and  tongue.  Inside  of  the  jaws  and  edges  of  the  tongue, 
dusky.  The  lateral  line  is  nearly  straight. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  upon  the  anterior  half  of  the 
body ;  its  first  rays  are  equal  in  height  to  the  length  of  the  fin.  Fin 
rather  darker  colored  than  the  back,  and  with  one  or  two  longi- 
tudinal rows  of  black  blotches  upon  its  base.  The  adipose  fin 
is  dark  brown,  situated  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the  tail  ; 
its  length  is  equal  to  one  third  of  its  height. 

The  Pectorals  arise  in  front  of  the  posterior  angle  of  the 
gill-covers ;  above  they  are  dark  colored  ;  beneath  lighter ; 
length  equal  to  one  fourth  their  height. 

The  Ventrals  are  above  dusky  j  beneath  white  ;  they  begin 
14 


** 


106  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

on  a  line  opposite  the  middle  of  the  dorsal  fin,  and  have  on 
their  sides  a  large  axillary  scale. 

The  Anal  fin  is  white ;  higher  than  long.  The  Anus  is 
large,  and  edged  hy  the  extremities  of  the  surrounding  scales. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  of  a  dark  brown  color  ;  the  fleshy  portion 
of  the  tail  extends  considerably  farther  forward  in  its  middle 
than  on  the  sides,  leaving  the  caudal  rays  much  longer  upon 
the  sides  of  the  tail ;  the  length  of  the  central  caudal  rays  only 
one  third  the  length  of  the  lateral  rays. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  12  ;  P.  15  ;  V.  9  j  A.  10  ; 
C.  19. 


S.    fontinalis.     Mitchell.      The  common  brook  Trout. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  v.  i.  p.  435. 
Richardson's  Fauna,  p.  176,  et  fig. 

This  is  quite  a  common  species  in  our  market,  and  meets 
with  a  ready  sale.  Dr.  Mitchell  speaks  of  it  as  being  highly 
esteemed  in  New  York. 

Of  twelve  specimens  before  me,  the  largest  is  eight  inches 
in  length.  The  upper  part  of  the  body  is  of  a  pale  brown 
color,  mottled  with  darker  undulating,  reticulating  markings  ; 
the  sides  lighter,  with  a  great  number  of  circular  yellow  spots, 
varying  in  their  size  from  a  small  point  to  a  line  or  more  in 
diameter  ;  and  many  of  them  having  in  the  centre  a  bright 
red  spot ;  sometimes,  the  yellow  color  surrounding  them  hav- 
ing partially  disappeared,  they  seem  distinct  from  the  circular 
spots,  or  are  surrounded  by  a  dull  bluish  halo  ;  these  red 
spots  ditfer  exceedingly  in  number  ;  in  some  specimens,  three 
or  four  only  are  observable,  and  these  are  situated  below  the 
lateral  line  ;  in  others,  twenty  or  more  are  seen  scattered  above 
and  below  the  lateral  line  indiscriminately,  presenting  a  beau- 
tiful appearance.  Body  beneath  whitish,  slightly  fuliginous. 
Length  of  the  head  to  the  whole  length  of  the  body,  as  1  and 
1-2  to  7  ;  top  of  the  head  slightly  flattened  j  the  snout  obtuse. 
Head  above,  darker  colored  than  the  back.  Gill-covers  golden, 
with  fuliginous.  Eyes  large,  pupils  black,  irides  silvery.  Dis- 

i 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  107 

tance  between  the  eyes,  equal  to  one  fifth  the  length  of  the 
head.  Jaws  equal  in  length  ;  gape  of  the  mouth  large  ;  teeth 
sharp,  recurved ;  teeth  on  the  tongue  larger  than  those  in  the 
jaws ;  teeth  also  on  the  palatines  and  vomer.  Scales  very 
small ;  those  on  the  lateral  line,  which  pursues  a  straight 
course,  larger  than  those  on  the  rest  of  the  body. 

The  Dorsal  fin  is  situated  upon  the  anterior  half  of  the 
body  ;  it  is  yellow,  with  irregular  black  transverse  bands ; 
longer  than  high ;  the  adipose  fin  is  quite  small  near  the  tail. 
The  Pectorals  arise  in  front  of  the  posterior  angle  of  the 
operculum  j  its  length  equal  to  one  quarter  of  its  height.  The 
first  ray  white  ;  the  second  ray  dark  colored ;  the  remainder  of 
the  fin  red. 

The  Ventrals  commence  opposite  the  middle  of  the  dorsal 
fin  j  when  unexpanded,  their  extremities,  together,  form  a 
sharp  point.  As  in  the  pectorals,  the  outer  ray  is  white  j  the 
second  dark  ;  the  remainder  red. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  in  front  of  the  adipose  fin,  and  is  higher 
than  long. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  of  a  dirty  reddish  brown,  mottled  with 
black  spots  j  slightly  bifurcated. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  11  ;  P.  13  ;  V.  8  ;  A.  11  ; 
C.  19. 

November  5th,  1838.  I  have  just  received  three  beautiful 
specimens  of  Trout,  from  Dr.  Forsyth,  of  Sandwich,  which 
are  commonly  called  "  Salmon  Trout,"  and,  as  such,  are  sought 
for  with  great  avidity ;  they  are  taken  there  in  considerable 
quantities ;  not  less  than  1000  pounds  yearly.  It  is  quite  com- 
mon to  find  them  in  the  wells  of  the  vicinity  of  Sandwich, 
living  for  years,  and  attaining  a  large  size.  These  Sandwich 
fish  are  really  delicious,  as  my  good  friend  has  given  me  an 
opportunity  of  testing  at  my  table ;  still,  upon  a  careful  ex- 
amination, they  answer  most  perfectly  to  Mitchell's  descrip- 
tion of  the  "fontinalis,"  and  do  not  at  all  correspond  with  the 
descriptions  of  the  "  salmo  trutta,"  salmon  trout.  The  largest 
of  my  three  specimens  is  fifteen  inches  in  length,  nearly  as 
large  again  as  this  species  is  usually  met  with  in  our  market 


108  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

from  the  neighboring  brooks  ;  and  they  not  only  differ  some- 
what in  appearance  from  the  smaller  specimens,  but  also 
from  each  other.  Thus,  in  one  of  the  specimens  before  me, 
the  abdomen,  between  the  origin  of  the  pectorals  and  the  ven- 
trals,  is  a  pure  white ;  in  a  second,  it  is  a  yellowish  white  ; 
and  in  the  largest,  the  whole  extent  of  the  lower  portion  of  the 
sides,  is  a  beautiful  orange  color,  and  the  abdomen  a  dark  fuli- 
ginous. 


OSMERUS.     Artedi. 

Generic  characters.  Body  elongated,  covered  ivith  small 
scales  ;  two  dorsal  fins,  the  first  with  rays,  the  second  fleshy, 
without  rays ;  ventral  fins  in  a  vertical  line  under  the  com- 
mencement of  the  first  dorsal  fin  ;  teeth  on  the  jaws  and  tongue 
very  long,  two  distinct  rows  on  each  palatine  bone,  none  on 
the  vomer,  except  at  the  most  anterior  part ;  branchiostegous 
rays  8. 

O.     eperlanus.     Artedi.       The  Smelt. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  273,  et  fig. 
Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  75,  et  fig. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  230. 
Fauna  Boreali- Americana,  p.  185. 

This  beautiful  species  is  brought  to  our  market  in  the  spring 
and  autumn  in  large  quantities,  and  is  highly  esteemed  as  an 
article  of  food.  In  the  spring,  it  is  taken  in  nets  up  the  rivers, 
and  in  winter,  with  the  hook  beneath  the  ice.  In  Watertown 
alone,  about  750,000  dozen  are  taken  annually  in  scoop-nets, 
from  ihe  first  of  March  to  the  first  of  June,  and  sent  to  Boston 
market.  It  is  generally  «taken  from  four  to  ten  inches  in  length. 
The  largest  specimens  I  have  seen  were  taken  in  Milton  river, 
the  latter  part  of  December,  1837.  Four  specimens,  taken 
without  regard  to  size,  weighed  one  pound  and  a  half. 

The  length  of  the  specimen  before  me  is  nine  inches.  Length 
of  the  head,  one  inch  six  lines.  Color,  above  the  lateral  line, 
yellowish  green  ;  all  the  body  beneath  the  lateral  line,  a  silvery 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  109 

white ;  portions  just  beneath  the  lateral  line  presenting  the 
appearance  of  a  satin  band,  the  length  of  the  body.  Lower 
jaw  longer  than  the  upper.  Mouth  wide.  Maxillary  bones 
toothed  throughout  their  whole  extent ;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
strong,  crooked.  Three  or  more  teeth  on  each  side  of  the 
tongue ;  a  tooth  at  the  extremity  of  the  tongue,  much  longer 
than  the  others.  Nostrils  very  large.  Diameter  of  the  eye 
nearly  three  lines ;  pupils  black ;  irides  silvery.  The  lateral 
line  commences  at  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum,  and 
passes  on  in  a  straight  course  to  a  line  within  half  an  inch  of 
the  dorsal  fin,  where  it  can  be  scarcely  discovered. 

The  Dorsal  fin  is  brownish ;  its  length  equal  to  half  its 
height.  The  adipose  fin  is  two  inches  back  of  the  dorsal, 
slightly  curved,  two  lines  in  length. 

The  Pectorals  are  six  lines  long,  commencing  on  aline  with 
the  beginning  of  the  lateral  line. 

The  Ventrals  commence  two  and  a  half  inches  back  of  the 
base  of  the  pectorals. 

The  Anal  fin  is  two  inches  back  of  the  ventrals ;  height  of 
the  longest  rays  equal  to  rather  more  than  half  the  length  of 
the  fin. 

The  Pectoral,  Ventral  and  Anal  fins  silvery,  like  the  abdo- 
men. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  six  lines  back  of  the  adipose  fin,  some- 
what forked. 

The  fin  rays  are :  B.8;    D.  11;   P.  14;  V.  9;  A.  15;  C.  19. 

In  the  first  volume  of  the  "  Journal  of  the  Academy  of  Nat- 
ural Sciences,"  Le  Sueur  described  this  as  a  new  species,  un- 
der the  name  of  "  viridescens."  Cuvier  does  not  acknowledge 
this  to  be  distinct  from  the  European  fish,  and  therefore  "  Ar- 
tedi's"  name  has  the  priority. 


SCOPELUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.     Body  long,  slender  ;  the  principal  dor- 
sal fin  over  the  interval  betiveen  the  ventral  and  anal  fins  ;  a 


110  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

•> 

second  dorsal  fin,  so  small  as  to  be  scarcely  perceptible ;  the 
head  short ;  the  mouth  and  gill-aperture  large  ;  small  teeth  on 
both  jaws  ;  palate  and  tongue  smooth. 

S.     Humboldtii.     Cuv.      The  Argentine. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iiL  p.  286,  et  fig. 
YarrelFs  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  94,  et  fig. 

The  only  specimen  I  have  met  with  of  this  beautiful  little 
species,  which  is  neither  mentioned  by  Mitchell  in  his  "  Fishes 
of  Neio  York"  nor  by  Richardson  in  his  "  Fauna  Boreali- 
Americana,"  was  brought  from  Nahant,  by  Mr.  Jonathan 
Johnson,  of  that  place.  He  found  it  in  December,  1837,  alive 
on  the  beach  ;  he  had  never  seen  a  living  specimen  before, 
but  had  repeatedly  found  partially  decomposed  specimens  in 
the  stomachs  of  haddock. 

The  entire  length  of  my  specimen  is  two  inches  one  line  : 
length  of  the  head,  three  lines.  The  back,  to  the  depth  of 
about  a  line,  is  of  a  dark  green  color ;  the  si'des,  including  the 
gill-covers,  are  of  a  beautiful  silvery  lustre.  A  row  of  brilliant 
circular  metallic  colored  spots  runs  along  the  belly,  from  before 
the  pectorals  to  the  anus ;  higher  up,  on  the  sides,  another  row 
of  dots  parallel  with  these ;  behind  the  anus  a  single  row  of 
smaller  dots  of  a  similar  character,  is  continued  to  the  base 
of  the  tail.  Body  very  much  compressed.  The  lateral  line 
almost  imperceptible,  nearly  straight,  commences  at  the  upper 
third  of  the  operculum.  Mouth  widely  cleft ;  teeth  small  in 
both  jaws.  Eyes  large,  one  and  a  half  line  in  diameter ; 
irides  silvery. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  10 ;  P.  17 ;  V.  8 ;  A.  15 ;  C.  19. 


FAMILY  V. 


CLUPEA.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.     Body  compressed  ;  scales  large,  thin, 
and  deciduous  ;  head  compressed  ;  teeth  minute  or  wanting  ; 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  Ill 

a  single  dorsal  Jin  ;  abdominal  line  forming  a  sharp  keel-like 
edge,  which  in  some  species  is  serrated  ;  branchiostegous  rays  8. 

C.     elongata.     Le  Sueur.      The  common  Herring. 
Journal  Academy  Nat  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  234. 

This  species  which  is  known  in  our  market  as  the  "  En- 
glish herring"  was  described  by  Le  Sueur  in  the  "Journal  of 
the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,"  under  the  specific  name 
of  "  elongata"  In  some  seasons  this  fish  is  taken  in  great 
numbers.  The  quantities  of  herring  packed  and  inspected, 
according  to  tables  kept  at  the  general  inspection  office  for 
five  years,  are  as  follows :  1832,  52  bbls. ;  1833,  36  ;  1834, 
518;  1835,  963;  1836,  77.  That  a  small  quantity  only 
of  the  herring  taken,  is  packed,  is  obvious,  from  the  fact, 
that  in  1836,  500  bbls.  were  taken  at  Falmouth ;  400  bbls.  at 
Duxbury,  and  3000  at  Martha's  Vineyard. 

Upon  some  portions  of  our  coast,  herring  have  been  limited 
in  quantity  for  the  last  few  years,  and  during  the  years  1835-6 
very  few,  comparatively  speaking,  were  taken.  Their  scarcity 
has  been  attributed  by  the  fishermen  to  torching  them  at 
night,  by  which  the  shoals  are  broken  up,  and  the  fish  fright- 
ened away. 

The  specimen  lying  before  me,  is  thirteen  and  a  half  inches 
in  length.  Color  upon  the  back  of  a  deep  blue  tinged  with 
yellow  ;  sides  paler ;  opercula,  yellow  tinged  with  violet ;  be- 
neath, silvery.  Scales  large,  silvery,  deciduous.  Abdominal 
ridge  indistinctly  serrated ;  about  thirty  spines  may  be 
counted  in  front  of  the  ventrals,  and  fifteen  behind  them. 
Depth  of  the  specimen  at  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin,  one 
fourteenth  the  length  of  the  body ;  width  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  dorsal  fin  a  little  more  than  one  seventh  of  the 
length.  Length  of  the  head  when  the  mouth  is  closed,  from 
the  extremity  of  the  lower  jaw,  about  one  seventh  of  the  whole 
length  of  the  fish.  Head  destitute  of  scales,  a  depression  upon 
its  top,  between  and  back  of  the  eyes,  exhibiting  numerous 
mucous  pores.  Eyes  large  and  provided  with  a  nictitating 
membrane ;  pupil  black,  irides  silvery ;  distance  between  the 


112  FISHES  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

eyes  double  the  diameter  of  the  eye.  Nostrils  equidistant  be- 
tween the  eye  and  the  snout.  Gape  of  the  mouth  large.  Jaws 
furnished  with  teeth ;  palate  and  tongue  also  provided  with 
teeth. 

The  Dorsal  fin  longer  than  high. 

The  Pectorals  less  than  one  third  as  high  as  long. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  opposite  the  middle  of  the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Anal  is  more  than  one  third  as  high  as  long ;  its  ante- 
rior half,  the  higher. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  forked ;  at  its  base,  width  to  the  width 
of  the  expanded  extremities  as  1  to  2. 

The  fin  rays  are:  D.  18;  P.  19;  Y.  9;  A.  18;  C.  22. 

Le  Sueur  describes  the  iris  as  "reddish;"  he  probably  saw 
his  specimens  after  they  had  been  some  time  taken.  The  iris 
of  most  fishes  changes  to  a  brown  very  soon  after  death. 


C.    fasdata.     Le  Sueur.      The  fasciated  Herring. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  233. 

For  a  long  time,  I  supposed  I  had  seen  specimens  of  this 
species  in  Boston  market,  with  the  "  Alosa  vernalis"  but  now 
think  I  may  have  been  mistaken.  Not  having  seen  an  indi- 
vidual, however,  since  the  description  of  our  fishes  was  under- 
taken, which  answers  to  the  species  of  Le  Sueur,  I  have  no 
alternative  left  me,  but  to  copy  his  account. 

"  The  species  which  I  call  Clupea  fasciata,  (fasciated 
Herring,)  is  known  under  the  name  of  alewive  by  the  fisher- 
men of  Sandwich,  and  appears  only  in  the  spring  ;  but  about 
the  end  of  August,  1816,  we  still  had  a  sight  of  several  indi- 
viduals, in  length  one,  two,  four,  eight,  and  nine  inches,  all 
alike,  except  as  to  size.  Body  compressed ;  back  straight ; 
breast  and  abdomen  forming  a  bow  downwards  as  far  as  the 
tail ;  seven  to  eight  lines  of  a  blackish  blue  at  the  sides  of 
the  back,  and  a  rounded  notch  at  the  bottom  of  the  divisions 
of  the  tail,  of  which  the  lower  lobe  is  the  longest.  The  entire 


PISHES   OF    MASSACHUSETTS.  113 

length  of  the  body  is  about  six  times  that  of  the  head,  which 
is  not  equal  to  the  depth  of  the  body  ;  snout  short ;  jaws  equal ; 
maxillars  of  middling  width,  scarcely  reaching  beyond  the 
centre  of  the  eye,  which  is  near  the  end  of  the  snout,  and 
round,  its  iris  yellow,  and  pupil  black.  Operculum  parallelo- 
gramiform,  slightly  oblique,  and  depressed  at  the  lower  edge  ; 
dorsal  as  high  as  the  width  of  its  base ;  pectorals  acute, 
rather  long ;  ventrals  somewhat  behind  the  front  of  the  dorsal, 
which  is  large  and  truncated ;  anal  long,  subequal ;  lateral  line 
scarcely  visible ;  color  blue  on  the  back,  lighter  at  the  sides, 
and  of  a  silver  white  under  the  abdomen,  breast  and  tail ; 
yellow  tints  are  reflected  from  the  scales  upon  the  opercula, 
base  of  the  tail  and  fins.  The  blue  lines  are  deeper  towards 
the  back  than  the  abdomen,  where  they  disappear. 

These  are  salted,  and  taken  with  the  seine. 

B.  7;  D.  18;  P.  16;  V.  9;  A.  18;  C.  22  6-6  rays." 


C.     minima.     Peck.      The  Brit. 
Belknap's  History  of  New  Hampshire,  vol  iii.  p.  130. 

This  pretty  little  species,  named  but  not  described  by  Peck  in 
"  Belknap's  New  Hampshire,"  is  found  at  some  seasons  of  the 
year  in  incredible  numbers  upon  our  coast,  and  serves  as  food 
for  several  other  species.  It  varies  in  its  length  from  one  to  four 
inches.  Back  nearly  black  ;  upper  part  of  the  sides  dark  green  ; 
sides  silvery,  with  roseate  and  golden  reflections ;  in  the 
younger  specimens,  the  dorsal  ridge  is  a  black  line,  and  the 
distance  between  it  and  the  lateral  line,  which  is  situated  very 
high  upon  the  sides,  is  of  a  light  green  sprinkled  with  darker 
points.  The  lateral  line  arises  upon  a  line  with  the  upper 
angle  of  the  operculum,  and  runs  along  very  near  the  back, 
the  length  of  the  body.  The  abdominal  ridge  is  serrated. 
Length  of  the  head  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  body,  gradually 
sloping  from  the  occiput  to  the  snout ;  top  of  the  head  darker 
colored  than  the  rest  of  the  body.  Gill-covers  large,  silvery, 
15 


114  PISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

seeming  to  form  one  large  plate.  Lower  jaw  rather  projecting 
beyond  the  upper.  Diameter  of  the  eye  equal  to  one  sixth  the 
length  of  the  head.  Tail  forked. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  10 ;  P.  15;  V.  5 ;  A.  12 ;  C.  18. 


ALOSA.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Upper  jaw  with  a  deep  notch  in  the 
centre ;  in  other  respects  like  the  Clupea. 

A.     vernalis.     Mitchell.      The  spring  Herring  or  Alewive. 

Although  in  several  portions  of  the  state  where  the  alewives 
have  heretofore  been  most  abundant,  the  various  encroach- 
ments of  man  have  sensibly  diminished  them,  they  are  still 
taken  in  some  places  in  immense  numbers.  A  larger  quantity 
of  alewives  is  packed  than  of  any  other  species  of  this  family. 
In  1832,  1730  barrels  were  inspected ;  1833,  2,266 ;  1834, 
4,320  ;  1835,  5,600  ;  1836,  5000. 

At  Watertown,  the  average  quantity  of  alewives  for  the  last 
ten  years,  is  700  barrels.  They  are  first  pickled,  then  salted 
and  barrelled,  and  sent  to  the  West  India  Islands.  They  sell 
for  from  $1.50  to  $2.00  per  barrel.  At  Taunton,  which  for  years 
was  so  celebrated  for  its  fishery,  the  alewives  are  gradually 
lessening.  There  are  two  or  more  dams  across  the  Taunton 
"Great  River"  so  called,  which  impedes  their  progress  very 
much  j  and  on  the  " Little  River"  where  many  dams  and  fac- 
tories have  been  erected,  and  where,  twenty  years  ago  thou- 
sands were  taken,  not  one  now  is  to  be  seen.  Twenty-five  years 
since  they  were  taken  in  such  abundance  at  Taunton,  that 
they  sold  for  20  cents  per  hundred,  and  a  great  business  was 
carried  on  in  barrelling  and  shipping  them  to  the  West  India 
market.  At  the  present  time,  when  first  taken,  they  sell  for 
100  cents  per  hundred,  and,  as  the  season  advances,  diminish 
gradually  in  price  to  50  cents.  Most  of  the  fish  are  dis- 
posed of  at  the  seines,  (fresh,)  and  cured  by  the  purchasers. 
In  the  Merrimack  river  too,  they  have  been  diminishing  in 
number  for  the  last  five  or  ten  years  ;  the  fishermen  think  this 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  115 

is  because  the  small  ponds  emptying  into  the  river  have  been 
dammed  up.  A  pond  in  Manchester  and  Chester  was  formerly 
famous  for  its  alewives. 

The  following  characters  are  presented  by  a  specimen  of 
this  species  :  Color  on  the  back  bluish  purple  ;  sides  a  light  cu- 
preous ;  beneath  silvery ;  on  the  sides,  four  or  five,  and  sometimes 
even  more,  indistinct  greenish  lines  passing  from  the  head  to 
the  tail ;  these  lines  are  quite  obvious  when  looked  at  from 
either  extremity  of  the  fish,  the  eye  being  placed  on  a  line 
with  the  fish.  Length  of  the  fish  to  its  width,  about  as  4  to 
1  ;  length  of  the  head  to  the  entire  length  of  the  body  as  2  to 
12.  Depth  of  the  body,  in  a  specimen  twelve  inches  long, 
across  the  anterior  base  of  the  dorsal  fin,  three  inches  ;  across 
the  base  of  the  pectorals,  two  and  a  half  inches  ;  across  the 
anus,  two  inches.  Head  small  ;  opercula  golden,  and  marked 
with  beautiful  arborescent  ramifications.  Eyes  large ;  pupils 
black  j  irides  silvery.  Mouth  very  large.  Lower  jaw  slightly 
longer  than  the  upper ;  upper  jaw  notched  in  its  centre.  Just 
back  of  the  upper  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum,  a  deep  black 
blotch.  Scales  on  the  body  very  large  and  deciduous.  The 
entire  abdominal  edge  strongly  serrated  by  projecting  bony 
spines  ;  these  serrations  are  larger  back  of  the  ventrals,  be- 
tween them  and  the  anus. 

The  height  of  the  Dorsal  fin  equal  to  its  length. 

The  width  of  the  Pectorals  at  base,  to  the  length  of  the  fin, 
as  4  to  12. 

The  Ventrals  darker  colored  than  the  abdomen,  and  of  a  mod- 
erate size. 

The  height  of  the  first  rays  of  the  Anal  fin  to  the  length  of 
the  fin,  as  5  to  15. 

The  Caudal  fin  deeply  notched  ;  width  at  the  base  when 
unexpanded,  to  the  width  at  the  extremities,  as  1  to  2. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows :  D.  17 ;  P.  15  ;  V.  9  j  A.  18 ; 
C.  21. 


I     . 

116  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


A.     vulgaris.     Cuv.      The  common  Shad. 
Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  Hi.  p.  235. 
Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  136. 

This  excellent  species  is  brought  to  Boston  market  from  the 
mouths  of  the  neighboring  rivers,  in  considerable  quantities,  in 
the  spring  of  the  year,  and  meets  with  a  ready  sale.  At  first 
they  sell  for  50  cents  a  piece  ;  as  the  season  advances,  for 
25  cents;  and  at  last  may  be  bought  for  about  12  1-2 
cents.  Many  of  this  species  are  also  packed.  In  the  year 
1832,  100  barrels  were  inspected  ;  1833,  321 ;  1834,  3  ;  1835, 
310  ;  1836,  527.  The  quantities  taken  in  Charles  river,  at 
Watertown,  for  the  five  years  preceding  1838,  averaged  about 
6000  per  annum.  From  3000  to  4000  are  yearly  caught  at 
Taunton.  In  the  Merrimack  river  this  fish  was  very  scarce 
forty-five  years  ago,  and  remained  so  for  about  five  years.  At 
this  time  there  were  ten  salmon  to  one  shad.  Very  few  were 
caught.  Before  that  time  they  had  been  very  abundant.  It 
was  said  that  10,000  were  caught  at  one  hauL  After  the 
scarcity,  they  became  plentiful,  and  continued  so  till  about  1810, 
when  they  were  scarce  again  for  two  or  three  years.  They 
then  became  plentiful,  and  still  continue  so.  They  have  not 
decreased  for  the  last  ten  years.  Shad  and  aleivives  go  up  the 
river  during  the  whole  of  May.  Their  greatest  run  is  when 
the  apple  trees  are  in  full  blossom.  The  old  shad  return  in 
August  ;  the  young,  three  or  four  inches  long,  in  September. 
These  are  very  fond  of  flies.  The  Concord  river  water  is  said 
to  be  warmer  than  that  of  the  Merrimack,  and  the  Concord 
shad  were  caught  a  month  earlier  than  those  of  the  Merrimack 
above  its  junction  with  the  Concord.  The  Concord  shad  have 
almost  entirely  disappeared,  their  ascent  having  been  cut  off  by 
dams. 

The  usual  weight  of  this  species  is  from  one  to  four 
pounds,  although  it  sometimes  attains  six  pounds.  Color  upon 
the  top  of  the  head  and  the  back,  bluish ;  the  upper  portion 
of  the  sides,  including  the  opercula,  cupreous ;  beneath  silvery. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  117 

Whole  body  covered  with  large,  deciduous  scales,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  head,  which  is  naked.  Eyes  large ;  pupils  black  ; 
irides  silvery ;  the  diameter  of  the  eye  equal  to  the  distance 
between  the  eyes.  Nostrils  nearer  the  anterior  angle  of  the 
eye  than  the  snout.  Upper  jaw  notched  in  its  centre  ;  its  lat- 
eral edges  slightly  crenated.  Length  of  the  head  to  the  whole 
length  of  the  body  as  1  to  6  ;  the  greatest  depth  of  the  body 
equal  to  nearly  two  thirds  the  length  of  the  head  ;  tha  width 
across  the  body,  from  the  commencement  of  the  dorsal  fin  to 
the  anal,  nearly  one  fifth  the  length  of  the  fish.  Abdominal 
ridge  serrated  throughout,  from  the  inferior  angle  of  the  oper- 
culum  to  the  anus  ;  the  serrations  more  prominent  back  of  the 
ventrals.  At  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum,  a  black 
blotch  of  considerable  size  ;  in  some  specimens  very  indistinct 
until  the  scales  are  removed,  when  it  is  very  obvious. 

The  Dorsal  fin,  which  shuts  into  a  groove,  is  situated  on  the 
middle  of  the  dorsal  ridge  j  the  height  of  the  first  rays  is  equal 
to  two  thirds  its  length. 

The  Pectorals  silvery ;  their  length  equal  to  about  one  third 
their  height ;  all  the  rays,  save  the  first,  are  branched. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  opposite  the  middle  of  the  dorsal. 

The  Anal  fin  is  also  received  into  a  groove  ;  its  fourth  ray, 
which  is  highest,  is  less  than  one  third  the  length  of  the  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  deeply  forked ;  its  depth  at  the  base  is  to 
the  depth  of  the  expanded  extremities  as  2  to  5 ;  two  mem- 
branous appendages  on  each  side,  near  the  centre  of  the  fin. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  19  ;  P.  16  ;  V.  9  ;  A.  20  ;  C.  20. 


A.     menhaden.     Mitchell.      The  Menhaden.     Hardhead, 

fyc.  fyc. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  v.  i.  453. 

This  species,  which  is  known  by  the  names  of  "Menhaden" 
"Pauhagen"  "Hardhead"  &c.  is  met  with  in  very  great  num- 
bers, coming  into  Massachusetts  Bay,  about  the  middle  of  May, 
and  leaving  it  in  November,  and  is  an  exceedingly  valuable  fish. 


118  FISHES  OP   MASSACHUSETTS. 

It  is  taken  in  large  quantities  upon  various  portions  of  our  coast, 
is  used  as  bait  for  other  fishes,  and  as  manure  ;  and  it  is  also  be- 
coming an  article  of  commerce.  As  mackerel  bait,  it  is  worth 
from  $2  to  $4  per  barrel,  in  proportion  to  the'  demand.  At 
Lynn,  in  1836,  1500  barrels  were  used  as  bait  for  other  fishes, 
and  as  many  more  were  thrown  upon  the  land.  At  Province- 
town,  they  are  used  only  for  mackerel  bait.  The  fishermen 
who  supply  Boston  market  with  cod  fish,  set  their  nets  about 
the  outer  islands  in  the  harbor,  each  night,  as  they  come  up  to 
the  city,  and  examine  them  in  the  morning,  as  they  go  out  for 
the  day's  fishing.  Large  numbers  are  thus  taken ;  and  such 
as  are  not  used  as  bait,  are  sold  to  the  poorer  classes  as  food, 
for  about  6  1-4  cents  per  dozen.  It  is  also  considered  a  very 
good  bait  for  halibut.  Being  a  very  oily  fish,  it  is  valua- 
ble as  manure.  It  is  computed  that  a  single  menhaden  of  or- 
dinary size,  is  equal,  in  richness,  to  a  shovel-full  of  barn-yard 
manure.  In  some  places  they  are  taken  for  this  purpose  only, 
by  trailing  nets  towards  the  shore.  At  Sandwich,  where  they 
are  very  abundant,  the  inhabitants  strew  them  upon  their  lands 
by  the  cart-load  ;  and  thus,  for  miles,  immense  quantities  en- 
rich the  soil.  From  the  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  my 
friend  Dr.  Forsyth,  some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  numbers 
used.  His  letter  is  dated  November  8th,  1837.  "  For  two  or 
three  miles  below  me,  on  the  Barnstable  road,  the  stench  from 
the  decomposing  fish  was  a  great  nuisance  to  travellers  passing 
along  the  road,  so  much  so  that  I  feared  they  might  be  instru- 
mental in  the  production  of  disease  ;  but  whether  they  were  so 
or  not,  I  am  not  now  prepared  to  say  ;  but  certain  it  is,  there 
have  been  more  cases  of  autumnal  fever  and  dysentery  this 
season,  in  that  district,  than  in  all  the  rest  of  the  town."  Upon 
some  portions  of  Cape  Cod,  menhaden  are  sold  to  the  farmers  for 
$1  per  thousand  for  manure  ;  they  average  about  one  pound 
each,  and  2500  are  considered  a  proper  quantity  for  an  acre. 
This  species  is  getting  likewise  to  be  thought  worthy  of  pres- 
ervation as  an  article  of  food.  In  1832,  300  bbls.  were  inspect- 
ed ;  in  1833,  480  ;  1834,  1008  ;  1835,  1443  ;  1836,  1488. 
This  fish  attains  the  length  of  fourteen  inches.  My  descrip- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  119 

tion  is  drawn  up  from  a  specimen  eleven  inches  in  length.  Its 
width,  at  the  commencement  of  the  dorsal  fin,  three  inches. 
All  the  upper  part  of  the  body  of  a  greenish  brown  color ;  sides 
lighter,  mottled  with  indistinct  bluish  ocellations ;  abdomen 
whitish,  serrated ;  whole  surface  of  the  fish  iridescent.  A  large 
black  blotch  just  back  of  the  upper  posterior  portion  of  the 
operculum.  Length  of  the  head  three  and  a  half  inches.  Gill- 
cover  very  large,  all  its  portions  more  or  less  golden.  Oper- 
culum marked  with  quite  a  number  of  deeply  marked  striae, 
which  commence  just  beneath  a  large  green  blotch,  situated 
some  distance  back  of  the  eye  on  a  line  with  it,  and  pass  ob- 
liquely backward  and  downward  to  its  lower  edge  ;  sub-oper- 
culum  and  inter-operculum  smooth  j  preoperculnm  presents  an 
arborescent  appearance  of  vessels  upon  its  surface.  Eyes  mod- 
erate in  size  ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  golden.  Gape  of  the  mouth 
very  large  ;  lower  jaw  shorter  than  the  upper ;  the  middle  of 
the  upper  jaw  presenting  a  deep  emargination.  Back  slightly 
arched. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  upon  the  anterior  half  of  the  body ;  it 
is  nearly  as  long  again  as  high  ;  at  its  base  is  a  membranous 
prolongation,  by  which  it  is  partially  covered  when  at  rest. 

The  length  of  the  Pectorals  to  their  height  is  as  1  to  4 ;  the 
upper  four  rays  much  longer  than  the  remainder.  Outside  of 
the  fin  is  an  axillary  plate  more  than  two  thirds  the  length  of 
the  fish ;  a  broad  scaly  shield  at  the  base  of  the  pectorals  cov- 
ers more  than  an  half  inch  of  their  inferior  edge. 

The  Ventrals  commence  on  a  line  opposite  the  origin  of  the 
dorsal  fin  ;  on  each  side  of  them  is  an  axillary  plate. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  some  distance  back,  of  the  dorsal ; 
its  height  to  its  length  is  as  1  to  3. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  deeply  forked ;  the  depth  of  the  fin  at  the 
base,  when  unexpanded,  to  the  length  of  the  outer  rays,  is  as 
1  to  3  ;  the  distance  between  the  expanded  extremities  equal 
to  the  length  of  the  outer  rays. 

The  fin  rays  are :  D.  19  ;    P.  15  ;   V.  7  ;    A.  20  ;    C.  27. 


ORDER    III. 

MALACOPTERYGII  SUBRACHIATL 


FAMILY  I. 
GADITES. 


MORRHUA.       CUV. 


Generic  characters.  Body  elongated,  smooth,  compressed 
towards  the  tail ;  back  furnished  ivith  three  dorsal  fins  ;  veil" 
tralfins  pointed  ;  abdominal  line  with  two  fins  behind  the  anal 
aperture;  the  lower  jaw  with  one  barbule  at  the  chin ;  bran- 
chiostcgous  rays  7. 

M.     Americana.     Nobis.       The  American  Cod. 

Whether  the  "  Morrhua  vulgaris"  the  common  Cod,  of 
European  writers,  is  ever  taken  in  the  waters  of  Massachusetts, 
I  am  unable  to  decide.  Dr.  Mitchell  says  it  is  taken  "  in  the 
sea  near  Nantucket,  and  beyond."  Certain  it  is,  I  have  never 
seen  it  in  Boston  market ;  and  Mr.  Newcomb,  senior,  the  oldest 
fishmonger  in  our  market,  who  has  repeatedly  been  at  the 
Banks  of  Newfoundland  fishing,  assures  me,  he  never  knew 
the  bank  fish  to  be  caught  in  our  waters.  Our  fish  is  the  spe- 
cies which  Mitchell  considers  the  "  M.  callarias"  Lin.  Rich- 
ardson thinks  "this  is  probably  a  distinct  species."  From 
Richardson's  guarded  manner  of  speaking.  I  should  judge  he 
had  never  seen  a  specimen  of  our  species.  The  much  larger 
size  of  our  fish,  the  length  of  the  "  callarias"  according  to 
Yarrell,  being  only  "  from  twelve  to  twenty-four  inches," 
which  cannot  be  accounted  for  by  mere  difference  of  locality, 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  121 

without  dwelling  upon  points  of  minor  importance,  convinces 
me  that  our  fish  is  a  distinct  species,  for  which  I  would  propose 
the  name  of  "Americana" 

This  species  is  taken  along  the  whole  coast  of  the  State, 
throughout  the  year,  leaving  the  vicinity  of  land  in  the  month 
of  February,  and  going  off  to  deeper  water.  There  are  several 
varieties,  differing  in  their  color  and  markings,  probably  pro- 
duced by  difference  of  locality  or  food,  which  are  known  by 
the  names  of  "  Rock  Cod,"  "Shoal  Cod,"  &c.  &c. 

The  cod  grows  to  a  very  great  size.  Yarrell  states,  that  the 
largest  cod  of  which  he  has  any  record,  weighed  sixty  pounds. 
Pennant  refers  to  one  weighing  seventy-eight  pounds.  Mr.  Jon- 
athan Johnson,  Jr.,  of  Nahant,  informs  me  he  has  seen  taken  a 
specimen  weighing  eighty-eight  pounds ;  and  Capt.  Nathaniel 
Blanchard,  of  Lynn,  tells  me  he  has  seen  a  cod  weighing 
eighty-six  pounds.  Both  these  gentlemen  are  experienced 
fishermen,  distinguished  for  their  habits  of  accuracy  and  ve- 
racity ;  and  I  take  much  pleasure  in  here  acknowledging  the 
great  assistance  rendered  me  by  them,  in  the  prosecution  of 
my  task.  The  largest  specimen  of  which  I  have  ever  heard, 
Mr.  Anthony  Holbrook,  a  fishmonger  in  Q,uincy  market,  in- 
forms me  he  saw  taken  in  the  spring  of  the  year  1807,  at  New 
Ledge,  sixty  miles  southeast  of  Portland,  Me. ;  it  weighed  one 
hundred  and  seven  pounds ;  and,  to  use  his  own  words,  "  upon 
its  head  were  barnacles  the  size  of  his  thumb." 

To  Massachusetts;  the  cod  fishery  is  exceedingly  important, 
supplying  our  markets  with  an  excellent  food  throughout  the 
year,  and  giving  employment  to  thousands.  In  some  portions 
of  the  State,  this  fishery  is  entirely  superseded  by  the  taking 
of  whales.  Thus,  while  every  town  in  the  county  of  Barnsta- 
ble  is  more  or  less  engaged  in  this  business,  and  collectively  they 
exhibit  an  aggregate  of  212  vessels,  but  a  single  fishing-smack 
was  licensed  in  Duke's  county,  in  1836,  and  not  one  in  the 
county  of  Nantucket ;  the  attention  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
last  two  counties  being  entirely  engaged  in  whaling.  I  have 
ascertained  that  in  1836,  there  were  engaged  in  the  cod  fish- 
ery, from  Gloucester,  Marblehead,  Provincetown,  South  Well- 
16 


122  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

fleet,  Cohasset,  Duxbury,  Plymouth,  Manchester,  Salem  and 
Beverly,  being  ten  towns,  561  vessels,  having  crews  of  38 16 
men ;  and  that  by  these  vessels  there  were  taken  263,454 
quintals  of  fish.  To  these  may  be  added  the  towns  of  Newbu- 
ryport,  Lynn,  Falmouth,  Holmes  Hole  and  Sandwich,  (in 
which  I  have  not  been  able  to  learn  the  number  of  vessels  ex- 
clusively employed  in  this  fishery,)  which  furnished,  in  1836, 
16,265  quintals ;  thus  exhibiting  279,718  quintals  of  cod 
fish  taken  by  the  enterprise  of  the  citizens  of  fifteen  towns. 
When  it  is  observed,  that  about  3500  of  the  cod  fish  from 
the  Grand  Bank,  (which  are  generally  much  larger  than  those 
from  the  Straits  of  Belleisle,)  constitute  one  hundred  quintals^ 
some  conception  may  be  formed  of  the  immense  number  taken. 
At  the  usual  price  of  these  prepared  fish,  the  above  mentioned 
number  of  quintals  would  sell  for  $839.154. 

In  1837,  according  to  the  returns  of  the  assessors  of  the 
several  towns,  it  appears  that  there  were  taken  510,554 
quintals  of  cod  fish,  which  were  valued  at  $1,569.517, 
These  fish  were  distributed  among  the  following  counties: 
Essex  Co.  took  159,424  quintals,  valued  at  $501,363  ;  Barn- 
stable  Co.,  134,758  =  $392,930  ;  Suffolk  Co.,  127,250  = 
$408,510;  Plymouth  Co.,  64,172  =  $193,664;  Norfolk  Co. 7 
15,950  =  $46,050  ;  Middlesex  Co.,  9000  =  $27,000. 

Besides  these  fishing  vessels  which  go  to  the  Banks  for  the 
Cod  and  their  bounty,  a  great  number  of  boats  are  constantly 
employed  in  supplying  the  markets  with  fresh  fish.  Thus,  at 
Duxbury,  in  1836,  there  were  ten  market  boats  having  forty 
men  on  board,  which  took  from  38,000  to  40,000  fish.  At 
Provincetown,  there  were  ten  boats  thus  engaged.  Boston 
market  is  supplied  with  cod  fish  by  about  fifteen  or  twenty 
small  schooners,  and  a  large  number  of  boats.  By  the  kind- 
ness of  Capt.  Nathaniel  Blanchard,  of  Lynn,  master  of  one  of 
these  smacks,  I  am  enabled  to  furnish  the  following  table,  by 
which  some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  amount  of  fresh  cod 
fish  brought  to  our  market.  He  has  presented  me  the  result 
of  his  labors  with  a  vessel  of  25  tons,  and  a  crew  of  six  men, 
for  nearly  five  months,  commencing  October  24,  1836,  and 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  123 

terminating  March  20,  1837.  His  account  exhibits  the  num- 
ber of  fish  taken,  and  the  price  obtained  for  the  same,  for  each 
day  during  that  period.  From  this  minute  statement  I  am 
able  to  ascertain  that  the  largest  quantity  taken  any  one  day, 
was  7124  pounds,  December  13th,  which  sold  for  five  shillings 
per  hundred  =$59.39. 

The  smallest  quantity  taken  any  one  day,  was  337  pounds, 
January  16th,  which  sold  for  12  shillings  =$6. 6 7. 

The  smallest  receipts  were  March  20th,  when  359  pounds 
taken,  sold  for  10  shillings  6  pence  =  $5.92. 

The  whole  number  of  pounds  taken  during  the  period  men- 
tioned, was  194,125. 

The  entire  receipts  for  the  same,  were  $3026.14. 

Besides  the  value  of  tbs  fishes  themselves,  in  a  fresh  and 
dried  state,  large  quantities  of  oil  are  extracted  from  their  liver 's, 
which  is  sold  for  about  $15  per  barrel. 

The  color  of  the  cod  of  our  market  is  exceedingly  variable. 
In  the  same  stall  may  frequently  be  seen  specimens  with 
equally  obvious  spots  over  their  entire  surface  j  or  they  may 
be  much  more  perceptible  on  the  sides  ;  or  they  may  be  scarcely 
observed  at  all  •  and  the  entire  fish  appear  of  an  uniform  gray  j 
or  again  of  a  beautiful  bright  red ;  and  I  have  seen  a  single 
specimen  which  was  of  a  lemon  yellow. 

The  following  description  is  drawn  up  from  a  specimen 
about  23  inches  in  length.  Back  ash  colored ;  sides  lighter ; 
both  back  and  sides  covered  with  yellowish  spots  larger  and  more 
distinct  upon  the  sides.  Beneath,  dusky  white.  Length  of 
the  head  compared  to  the  length  of  the  body,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  tail,  rather  more  than  one  third ;  depth  over  the 
base  of  the  pectorals  rather  more  than  one  fifth  the  length  of 
the  body,  without  the  tail  ;  depth  over  the  anus  equal  to  one 
fifth  the  length  of  the  body.  Top  of  the  head  darker  colored 
than  the  gill-covers.  The  pupils  of  the  eye  black,  irides  a 
beautiful  silvery.  Diameter  of  the  eye  equal  to  one  sixth  the 
length  of  the  head  ;  the  distance  between  the  eyes  nearly  equal 
to  one  third  the  length  of  the  head  ;  the  distance  of  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  snout,  from  a  line  on  a  plane  with  the  anterior 
angle  of  the  eye,  equal  to  one  third  the  length  of  the  head. 


124  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

Nostrils  double,  posterior  lower  and  larger  ;  the  upper  jaw  pro- 
jects beyond  the  lower  ;  in  the  lower  jaw  is  a  single  row  of 
teeth  ;  those  in  the  back  part  of  the  jaw,  large,  and  incurved  * 
those  in  the  fore  part  of  the  jaw  much  smaller  ;  in  the  upper 
jaw  a  row  of  large  teeth  in  the  back  part,  with  a  row  of  minute 
teeth  back  of  them  ;  approaching  the  middle  of  the  jaw,  a  triple 
row  is  observed  ;  at  the  middle  of  the  jaw,  four  distinct  rows 
are  seen  ;  the  front  row  uniformly  large,  those  behind  very  small. 
A  single  barbule  about  an  inch  long  at  the  chin.  The  lateral 
line  commencing  above  the  operculum,  makes  a  very  gradual 
slope  upwards,  and  as  gradual  a  curve  downwards,  until  oppo- 
site the  anterior  third  of  the  second  dorsal  fin  it  commences  a 
straight  course  which  is  continued  to  the  caudal  fin  ;  this  line 
is  lighter  colored  in  its  whole  extent  than  the  body,  it  is  wider 
and  more  conspicuous  after  assuming  a  straight  course. 

The  first  Dorsal  arises  just  back  of  the  pectorals  ;  the  se- 
cond Dorsal  is  much  longer  than  the  first  ;  the  third  is  slightly 
longer  than  the  first.  All  the  dorsals  are  of  a  bluish  color, 
spotted  like  the  body. 

The  Pectorals  are  round  ;  their  length  is  equal  to  half  their 
height. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  in  front  of  the  pectorals,  of  the 
color  of  the  abdomen  ;  the  two  outer  rays  of  the  ventral  fins 
are  free,  the  second  ray  is  the  longest. 

The  first  Anal  fin  is  shorter  than  the  second  dorsal  ;  the  se- 
cond anal,  much  shorter  ;  both  anals  the  same  color  as  the  ab- 
domen. 

The  depth  of  the  Caudal  fin  at  the  extremities,  to  its  length, 
as  2  to  1  ;  spotted  like  the  rest  of  the  body. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  B.  7  ;  D.  15-22-19  ;  P.  19  ;  Y.  6  ;  A.  22- 
19  ;  C.  40. 


M.     aeglefinus.     L.      The  Haddock. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  158. 

Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  vol.  i.  p.  370. 

Strack's  Plates,  26.  2. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  ii.  p.  244. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  153. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  125 

Immense  shoals  of  this  fish  are  found  on  our  coast  in  the 
spring,  and  continue  through  the  season  until  the  autumn.  Ten 
years  since  this  species  was  comparatively  rare  at  Cape  Cod  ; 
now,  it  is  almost  as  common  there,  as  in  any  part  of  our  bay.  It 
is  estimated  that  in  the  warm  season,  about  12  cwt.  of  haddock 
are  taken  to  1  cwt.  of  cod  fish  in  Massachusetts  Bay  ;  and  in 
the  winter,  about  12  cwt.  of  cod,  to  1  cwt.  haddock  ;  but  as 
the  haddock  fishery  is  of  longer  duration,  the  quantities  through 
the  year,  will  average  about  the  proportion  of  3  haddock  to  1 
cod.  Large  numbers  are  sold  in  the  market ;  and  during  the 
entire  summer  it  is  generally  eaten  by  the  poorer  classes,  who 
are  often  able  to  obtain  a  fine  fish  weighing  several  pounds  for 
one  or  two  cents.  When  taken  in  larger  quantities  than  they 
can  be  disposed  of  in  the  market,  they  are  frequently  strewed 
over  the  earth  for  manure. 

The  specimen  before  me  is  twenty  four  inches  in  length. 
Length  of  the  head  compared  to  the  whole  length  of  the  body, 
exclusive  of  the  caudal  rays,  'as  6  to  20  inches ;  depth  of  the 
body  across  from  the  anus,  less  than  the  length  of  the  head. 
Color,  above  the  lateral  line,  a  dark  grey,  beneath  this  line,  a 
beautiful  silvery  grey,  with  a  large,  and  in  many  specimens 
nearly  a  circular  patch,  on  each  side,  on  a  line  with  the  middle 
of  the  pectorals,  its  upper  portion  generally  extending  above 
the  lateral  line,  its  larger  portion  usually  beneath  it.  Back  of 
the  head  very  convex ;  gill-covers  mueh  lighter  colored  than 
the  top  of  the  head  and  snout ;  upper  jaw  projects  beyond  the 
lower ;  teeth  in  the  upper  jaw  longer  than  in  the  lower,  and 
nearly  vertical ;  a  very  minute  barbule  at  the  chin ;  posterior 
nostril  much  larger  than  the  anterior.  Longest  diameter  of 
the  eye,  more  than  one  sixth  the  length  of  the  head,  pupils  black, 
irides  bluish  ;  the  distance  between  the  eyes  equal  to  nearly 
one  third  the  length  of  the  head.  The  lateral  line  commenc- 
ing at  a  distance  above  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum, 
equal  to  the  length  of  the  head,  assumes  the  curve  of  the  body 
until  on  a  plane  with  about  the  middle  of  the  second  dorsal  fin, 
from  which  point  it  runs  on  in  a  straight  line  to  the  base  of 
the  caudal  rays ;  through  its  whole  course,  it  is  of  a  jet  black 
color. 


126  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  on  a  line  with  the  base  of 
the  pectorals,  its  length  is  three  fifths  that  of  the  second  dorsal. 

The  second  Dorsal  commences  on  nearly  the  same  plane  as 
the  anus. 

The  third  Dorsal,  the  same  length  as  the  first. 

The  Pectorals  in  length  not  quite  equal  to  one  third  of  their 
height. 

The  Ventrals  commence  in  front  of  the  pectorals ;  their 
first  two  rays  free  :  the  second  ray,  the  longer. 

The  first  Anal  fin  commences  back  of  the  second  dorsal ; 
the  second  Anal  arises  on  a  line  with  the  third  dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  very  slightly  notched. 

The  dorsal,  pectoral,  and  caudal  fins  are  bluish  j  the  anals 
the  color  of  the  abdomen  ;  the  ventrals  rather  lighter  than  the 
anal. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  16-24-20  ;  P.  21 ;  V.  6  ;  A.  26-21  ; 
C.  35. 


M.     tomcodus.     Mitchell.      The  Tom  Cod. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  vol.  i.  p.  68. 

As  Cuvier  in  his  notes  to  the  "  Regne  Animal"  has  intro- 
duced Mitchell's  specific  name,  I  retain  it  here.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  Valenciennes,  in  his  continuation  of  the  "  Histoire 
Naturelle  des  Poissons"  will  assume  the  specific  name  "  poly- 
morphus"  proposed  by  Mitchell  himself,  as  being  equally 
appropriate  and  more  scientific. 

This  very  common  little  species  is  taken  in  considerable 
numbers  from  our  wharves  and  bridges  with  the  hook,  to- 
gether with  the  "  Conner,"  "  Flounder,"  "  Sculpin,"  "Eel," 
&c.  &c.,  in  the  summer ;  and  through  the  winter,  the  market 
is  supplied  from  the  mouths  of  the  rivers,  in  the  vicinity  of 
Boston,  where  they  are  taken  in  dip  nets.  The  amount  of 
Tom  Cod  taken  at  Watertown  alone  is  estimated  at  2000 
bushels  annually ;  they  are  sent  to  Boston  market,  and  readily 
disposed  of  there. 

Specimens  of  this  species  are  seldom  obtained  exceeding 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  127 

twelve  inches  in  length.  The  length  of  the  head  is  to  the 
length  of  the  body,  about  as  1  to  6  j  the  depth  of  the  fish  over 
the  anus,  exclusive  of  the  dorsal  fin,  less  than  one  sixth  the 
length  of  the  body.  In  color,  this  species  varies  exceedingly, 
generally  it  is  brown,  greenish,  or  yellowish  brown,  with  deeper 
patches,  spots,  and  blotches  ;  beneath,  lighter.  Snout  blunt  ; 
upper  jaw  projecting  beyond  the  lower,  a  small  barbule  be- 
neath the  chin ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  very  compact,  small,  and 
sharp  j  those  in  the  upper  jaw  more  apparent  j  small  teeth  in 
the  throat.  Diameter  of  the  eye  equal  to  half  the  distance  be- 
tween the  eyes  j  pupils  of  the  eye  black  ;  irides  golden.  Nos- 
trils double  ;  anterior  the  larger.  Fins  brown,  tinged  with  red. 

The  lateral  line,  commencing  above  the  operculum,  curves 
gently  upwards  to  the  pectorals,  and  just  beyond  these  fins 
commencing  a  straight  course,  terminates  at  the  base  of  the 
caudal  rays. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  opposite  the  middle  of  the 
pectorals  j  its  length  is  greater  than  its  height.  The  second  dor- 
sal as  long  again  as  high.  The  length  of  the  third  dorsal,  one 
fourth  less  than  the  length  of  the  second,  and  less  than  the 
length  of  the  first. 

The  length  of  the  Pectorals  is  one  fourth  less  than  their  height. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  in  the  front  of  the  pectorals ;  the 
first  two  rays  are  free  at  their  extremities  ;  the  second  ray  the 
longer ;  the  other  rays  are  united. 

The  first  Anal  fin  is  more  than  as  long  again  as  high ;  the 
second  fin  is  shorter  than  the  first. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  convex. 

The  fin  rays  are :  D.  13-18-19  ;  P.  17  ;  V.  6  ;  A.  22-18 ; 
C.  39. 


M.     Minuta.     Lin.      The  Poor  or  Power  Cod. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  161  et  fig. 
Strack's  Plates,  27.  1. 

A  single   specimen  only  have  I  ever  seen  of  this  species, 
which  was  taken  in  Boston  harbor  ;  it  has  been  preserved  for 


128      .         FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

several  years  in  spirits  in  the  cabinet  of  the  "  Boston  Society  of 
Natural  History,"  and  its  colors  have  undoubtedly  somewhat 
changed.  Mitchell,  it  would  seem  from  his  silence,  had  never 
seen  this  species.  And  Richardson  makes  no  mention  of  it  in 
his  "  Fauna  ;"  my  specimen,  however,  agrees  so  well  with 
Yarrell's  description  of  the  "  minuta"  that  I  cannot  doubt  its 
identity  with  that  species. 

My  specimen  is  eight  inches  in  length  ;  length  of  the  head, 
two  inches  j  depth  of  the  body  across  the  base  of  the  pectorals, 
rather  less  than  the  length  of  the  head.  The  lateral  line 
commences  just  above  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum, 
curves  slightly  over  the  pectorals,  and  a  quarter  of  an  inch 
back  of  these  fins  assumes  a  straight  line,  which  is  continued 
to  the  tail.  Snout  obtuse  ;  a  line  of  mucous  pores  along  the 
intermaxillary  bones  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  a  line  be- 
neath the  anterior  angle  of  the  eye.  Upper  jaw  longer  than 
the  lower ;  jaws  furnished  with  sharp  teeth.  A  cirrhus  one 
fourth  of  an  inch  long  is  suspended  from  the  chin.  Eye  half 
an  inch  in  diameter,  being  equal  to  one  fourth  the  length  of 
the  head.  Color  of  the  specimen  above,  of  a  reddish  yellow  ; 
abdomen,  of  a  dirty  white,  or  rather  a  yellowish  white  covered 
with  innumerable  minute  black  points. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  just  back  of  the  origin  of 
the  pectorals  ;  rather  higher  than  long. 

The  second  Dorsal,  which  is  as  long  again  as  the  first,  be- 
gins and  terminates  on  the  same  plane  with  the  anal  fin. 

The  third  Dorsal,  which  is  longer  than  high,  is  longer  than 
the  first  dorsal,  and  shorter  than  the  second. 

The  Pectorals  are  an  inch  long. 

The  Yentrals  are  fuliginous  ;  their  first  ray  is  shorter  than 
the  second,  which  is  the  longest  ray  of  the  fin,  and  is  separated 
from  it  or  free  at  extremities. 

The  first  Anal  fin  is  directly  back  of  the  vent ;  longer  than 
high.  The  second  Anal  is  one  third  shorter  than  the  first. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  but  slightly  forked. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  12-19-17  ;  P.  17 ;  V.  6  ;  A.  22-17  ; 
C.  20. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  129 

MERLANGUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.      The  same  as  those  of  Morrhua,  ex- 
cept that  they  have  no  barbule  at  the  chin. 

M.     carbonarius.     Lin.      The  Coal  Fish. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii. 
Me  Mill-trie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  p.  245. 
Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  ]69. 
Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  p.  247. 
Strack's  plates,  29.  1. 

In  Sir  Edward  Parry's  first  voyage,  it  is  stated  that  this  spe- 
cies was  taken  of  a  very  small  size  on  the  west  coast  of  Davis' 
straight.  I  am  not  aware  that  it  has  been  noticed  by  any 
other  naturalist,  as  inhabiting  the  American  ocean.  It  is  often 
met  with  in  onr  market  in  considerable  quantities,  and,  as  well  as 
the  " purpureus"  is  called,  by  our  fishermen,  the  "pollack." 
I  have  had  it  prepared  in  its  fresh  state  for  my  own  table,  and 
found  it  an  excellent  fish.  With  the  cod,  it  is  salted  in  con- 
siderable numbers.  From  a  specimen  three  feet  in  length, 
weighing  thirteen  pounds,  obtained  in  Boston  market  in  Janu- 
ary. I  have  drawn  up  the  following  description.  Length  of 
the  head  compared  to  that  of  the  body,  exclusive  of  the  tail, 
as  1  to  2  1-4 ;  depth  of  the  body  over  the  base  of  the  pecto- 
rals, rather  less  than  the  length  of  the  head.  All  the  upper 
part  of  the  body  and  head,  black  ;  beneath  the  lateral  line,  the 
body  of  a  bluish  white ;  the  abdomen  lighter  than  the  sides. 
The  lateral  line,  which  is  of  a  beautiful  silvery  white  color, 
commences  just  above  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum, 
and  with  the  exception  of  a  very  slight  inclination  anterior  to 
the  space  between  the  first  and  second  dorsal  fins,  pursues  a 
straight  course  to  the  base  of  the  caudal  fin.  Scales  on  the 
head,  smaller  than  those  of  the  body  ;  the  lower  jaw  longer 
than  the  upper  ;  the  teeth  in  both  jaws  small  and  sharp ;  more 
numerous  in  the  upper  jaw  ;  the  lips  purplish  ;  the  distance 
between  the  eyes  less  than  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  head ; 
the  eyes  large,  prominent ;  the  pupils  blue  ;  the  irides  silvery. 
17 


130  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  at  a  distance  back  of  the 
posterior  angle  of  the  operculum,  equal  to  about  one  fourth  the 
length  of  the  head  ;  longer  than  high. 

The  second  Dorsal  has  its  first  rays  equal  in  their  height  to 
half  its  length. 

The  third  Dorsal  begins  at  a  greater  distance  from  the  sec- 
ond, than  the  space  between  the  first  and  second  ;  the  height 
of  the  first  rays  of  this  fin,  less  than  half  the  length  of  the  fin. 
All  the  dorsal  fins  of  a  bluish  black  color. 

The  Pectorals  commence  on  a  line  with  the  posterior  angle 
of  the  operculum ;  their  color  the  same  as  the  dorsals. 

The  Yentrals  commence  in  front  of  the  pectorals  ;  their 
depth  equal  to  one  third  their  height. 

The  first  Anal  fin  commences  on  a  line  opposite  the  interval 
between  the  first  and  second  dorsal  fins,  just  back  of  the  anus, 
and  is  the  same  color  as  the  abdomen  ;  depth  to  its  length  as 
3  to  8.  The  second  anal  commences  on  a  line  opposite  the 
last  dorsal,  and  terminates  on  the  same  plane  with  that  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  large  ;  its  width  at  base  is  to  its  width  at 
the  extremity  as  2  to  7,  being  much  forked. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  13-20-20  ;  P.  19  ;  V.  6  ;  A.  24-21  ; 
C.  32. 


M.     purpureus.     Mitchell.      The  Pollack. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  370. 

Until  within  a  few  years,  the  "  Merlangus  purpureus," 
"pollack,"  was  but  slightly  prized  ;  and  the  fishermen  had  so 
little  demand  for  it,  that  they  not  unfrequently  gave  it  away 
from  their  boats.  Its  useful  qualities  are  beginning  to  be  known 
and  valued,  and  in  several  of  the  interior  towns  of  the  state,  it 
is  now  as  readily  sold  as  any  other  fish.  When  salted,  it  was 
formerly  usual  to  throw  it  at  once  into  old  brine,  to  increase 
its  weight,  which  it  did  at  the  expense  of  its  goodness.  It 
is  ascertained  that  when  prepared  in  the .  same  way  as  the 
cod,  when  intended  for  dun  fish,  with  proper  care  and 
good  salt,  this  is  really  an  excellent  fish,  and  its  value  is  in- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  131 

creased  from  nine  shillings  to  from  three  to  four  dollars  per 
quintal.  Immense  numbers  of  this  species  are  found  in  our 
waters  in  spring  and  autumn.  To  Jeffries  ledge,  a  fleet  of  20 
or  30  boats  frequently  go  off  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  and  hav- 
ing fastened  their  craft  together  and  thrown  overboard  a  quan- 
tity of  bait  to  entice  the  fish,  capture  in  a  single  night  from  30 
to  40  quintals  of  pollack  to  a  boat. 

Length  of  the  specimen  described,  two  feet  four  inches. 
Depth  of  the  body  across  from  the  anus,  exclusive  of  the  dorsal 
fin,  as  1  to  4 ;  upper  part  of  the  head  and  body,  of  a  greenish 
brown  color  ;  sides  lighter  ;  abdomen  white.  Lateral  line  of 
a  grayish  color,  commencing  above  the  posterior  angle  of  the 
operculum,  and  slightly  curving  over  the  pectorals  to  their  ex- 
tremity, pursues  nearly  a  straight  course  to  the  middle  of  the 
caudal  rays.  Length  of  the  head  about  equal  to  the  greatest 
depth  of  the  body  •  top  of  the  head  between  the  eyes  slightly 
depressed ;  head  somewhat  pointed,  when  the  jaws  are  closed. 
Eyes  large  ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  silvery,  with  greenish  reflec- 
tions ;  diameter  of  the  eye  equal  to  half  the  distance  between 
the  eyes.  Lower  jaw  longer  than  the  upper;  minute  teeth  in 
both  jaws ;  gape  of  the  mouth  quite  large  ;  mouth  within, 
bluish  ;  tongue,  large,  fleshy.  Posterior  nostril  quite  large.  A 
line  of  mucous  pores  on  both  maxillary  bones.  Gill-covers 
silvery ;  the  division  between  the  opercle  and  preopercle, 
scarcely  distinguishable  at  first  sight ;  the  posterior  angle  of  the 
operculum  obtuse.  Body  gradually  arched  to  the  origin  of  the 
first  dorsal. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  arises  opposite  the  middle  of  the  pecto- 
rals, is  one  third  longer  than  high,  and  of  the  same  color  as  the 
back. 

The  second  Dorsal  fin  is  one  third  longer  than  the  first ;  it 
arises  back  of.  the  first,  at  a  distance  equal  to  less  than  one 
third  the  length  of  the  first  dorsal.  The  distance  between  the 
second  and  third  dorsals,  is  to  the  distance  between  the  first 
and  second,  as  3  to  1 ;  height  of  the  third  dorsal  to  its  length, 
less  than  1  to  3. 

The  Pectorals  arise  on  a  line  with  the  posterior  angle  of  the 


132  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

operculnm,  some  distance  beneath  it;  their  length  to  their 
height,  as  2  to  12 ;  the  color  of  the  dorsal  fins. 

The  Ventrals  are  very  small,  in  front  of  the  pectorals ;  the 
second  and  third  rays  longest ;  fins  white. 

The  Anal  fin  at  its  hase,  the  color  of  the  abdomen ;  above, 
bluish ;  arises  upon  the  same  plane,  and  terminates  with  the 
second  dorsal.  The  second  anal  about  half  the  height  of  the 
first  anal ;  a  narrow  white  margin  at  its  base,  and,  like  the  first, 
whitish  at  the  tip. 

The  Caudal  fin  large,  strong,  forked ;  length  of  the  outer 
rays  equal  to  the  distance  between  the  extremities  of  the  fin 
when  expanded. 

In  smaller  specimens,  the  color  above  is  deeper ;  the  abdo- 
men, reddish. 

In  two  specimens,  the  rays  were  as  follows : 

D.  14-22-21 ;    P.  20  ;    V.  6  ;    A.  22-21 ;    C.  40. 

D.  14-19-18  ;    P.  16  ;    V.  6  ;    A.  24-16  ;    C.  36. 


MERLUCIUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  The  head  flattened ;  the  body  elon- 
gated;  the  back  furnished  with  two  dorsal  fins  ;  the  first  short, 
the  second  long  ;  but  one  anal  fin,  also  very  long  ;  no  barbule 
at  the  chin. 

M.     vulgar  is.     Cuv.      The  Hake. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  1G8. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  h'oc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  371. 
Me  JMurtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  p.  245. 
Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  177. 
Strack's  plates,  28.  1. 

This  fish  is  generally  known  by  the  fishermen  of  Massachu- 
setts as  the  "  Whiting."  It  is  not  a  little  singular,  that  while 
our  species  is  really  the  "European  Hake"  the  "  PJiycis 
Americanus"  "Codling,"  is  called  with  us  "old  English 
Hake;"  and  the  "Hake"  itself  is  called  the  "Whiting," 
which  is  a  "  Merlangus."  This  species  is  taken,  not  however, 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  133 

in  large  quantities,  in  our  bay  in  the  summer,  upon  the  cod 
fishery  grounds.  When  perfectly  fresh,  it  is  very  sweet  and 
palatable,  but  so  soon  becomes  soft,  that  it  is  kept  with  great 
difficulty,  and  on  this  account  is  not  much  valued. 

The  good  specimen  on  my  table  was  sent  me  by  Dr.  Yale. 
Length  fifteen  inches ;  depth  of  the  body  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  second  dorsal  fin,  two  inches.  Body  elongated  ; 
top  of  the  head  and  upper  part  of  the  body,  of  a  dull  lead  color ; 
sides  and  abdomen  white.  The  lateral  line,  lighter  colored 
than  the  upper  part  of  the  body,  arises  above  the  operculum, 
and  curves  slightly  in  its  anterior  half,  then  assumes  a  straight 
line  to  the  tail.  The  scales  upon  the  top  of  the  head,  much 
smaller  than  those  upon  the  body  of  the  fish.  Length  of  the 
head  equal  to  about  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  body.  Pre- 
operculum  and  maxillary  bones  of  a  beautiful  shining  silver 
color  ;  the  inferior  portion  of  the  gill-covers  naked  ;  upper  por- 
tion scaly  j  scales  on  the  operculum  reflecting  a  beautiful  bluish 
tint.  Eyes  very  large ;  pupils  black ;  irides  silvery.  Diam- 
eter of  the  eye  equal  to  three  quarters  the  distance  between 
the  eyes.  At  the  anterior  angle  of  the  eye  a  bony  process  is 
obseived ;  just  in  front  of  this  process  are  situated  the  nostrils, 
which  are  double,  the  posterior  much  the  larger.  A  sensible 
depression  on  the  top  of  the  head  between  the  eyes.  Smaller 
furrows  on  other  parts  of  the  head.  The  lower  jaw  the  longer  ; 
the  jaws  as  well  as  the  palatine  bones  armed  with  a  row  of 
prominent,  sharp,  recurved  teeth,  exterior  to  which,  is  a  row 
much  smaller.  Tip  or  middle  of  the  upper  jaw  without  teeth. 
Outer  edge  of  both  intermaxillary  bones,  fuliginous.  Jaws 
within,  palatines,  vomer,  fuliginous.  A  deep  furrow  exists  in 
the  suborbitar  bones,  extending  from  just  exterior  to  the  snout 
in  the  upper,  to  the  posterior  portion  of  the  preoperculum ;  and 
beneath  the  lower,  from  the  chin  to  the  outer  angle  of  the  jaw. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin.  which  is  short  and  of  a  triangular 
shape,  arises  just  before  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum. 
The  distance  between  the  dorsals,  equal  to  one  third  the  length 
of  the  first  dorsal.  The  second  dorsal  quite  long  :  rays  large, 
terminating  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the  caudal  fin. 


134  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Pectorals  commence  on  a  line  beneath  the  posterior  an- 
gle of  the  operculum  ;  the  fourth  ray  is  the  longest ;  length  of 
the  fin  to  its  height  as  5  to  32. 

The  Ventrals  are  yellowish ;  their  length  to  their  height  as 
3  to  27. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  on  a  line  nearly  opposite  the  commence* 
ment  of  the  second  dorsal  fin,  and  terminates  on  the  same 
plane  with  that  fin. 

The  Caudal  rays  are  nearly  even. 

The  fin  rays  are  :     D.  12-38  ;    P.  13  ;  V.  7 ;  A.  40  ;  C.  30. 

This  species  is  very  accurately  described  by  Mitchell.  The 
specimen  which  served  for  his  description  was  of  the  same 
size  as  that  from  which  the  preceding  account  has  been  drawn 
up.  The  ichthyological  student  will  perceive  how  much  the 
number  of  fin  rays  differs  in  this  species. 

Thus,  according  to  Pennant,  they  are  :  D.  9-40  ;  P.  12 ;  V. 
7  ;  A.  39 — while  Yarrell  makes  them  thus  :  D.  10-29  ;  P. 
11;  V.  7;  A.  21;  C.  19— and  Mitchell:  D.  12-38;  P.  13; 
V.  7 ;  A.  41 ;  C.  27. 


LOTA.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  In  addition  to  the  elongated  body,  with 
two  dorsal  fins  and  one  anal  fin,  possessed  by  the  species  of 
Merlucius  last  described,  may  be  added,  chin  with  one  or  more 
barbules. 

L.     compressa.     Le  Sueur.      The  Eel  Pout. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  84. 

This  species  was  described  by  Le  Sueur  as  being  received 
from  Northampton.  The  only  specimen  I  have  been  able  to 
see  was  sent  me  from  Keene,  N.  H.  Taken  as  it  was  in  the 
Ashuelot  river,  one  of  the  tributaries  of  the  Connecticut,  I  do 
not  hesitate  to  draw  my  description  from  it,  rather  than  use 
that  of  Le  Sueur.  My  specimen  presents  the  following  char- 
acters. Color  of  the  back  and  sides  a  yellowish  brown,  varie- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  135 

gated  with  darker  brown  spots  ;  the  gill-covers  and  snout  much 
darker  than  the  remainder  of  the  body.  Abdomen  whitish. 
Length  six  inches ;  length  of  the  head  one  inch  j  body  in  front 
of  the  first  dorsal ,  cylindrical,  beginning  to  be  compressed  at 
the  sides  at  the  extremity  of  the  pectorals,  gradually  becoming 
more  so  towards  the  tail,  so  that  the  caudal  rays  appear  a  mem- 
branous prolongation  of  the  body.  The  entire  surface  of  the 
body  is  covered  with  very  minute  scales,  looking  like  cup- 
shaped  depressions.  The  lateral  line  arises  above  the  opercu- 
lum,  and,  quite  conspicuous,  extends  in  a  straight  course  to  the 
middle  of  the  fleshy  portion  of  the  tail.  Head  very  much  com- 
pressed ;  eyes  circular ;  distance  between  the  eyes  one  quarter 
the  length  of  the  head.  Nostrils  double  ;  from  the  back  of  the 
anterior  nostril,  a  very  minute  cirrhus  is  suspended.  Upper 
jaw  the  longer  •  to  the  chin  is  attached  a  dark-colored  cirrhus, 
one  fourth  of  an  inch  long.  Jaws  and  palatines  armed  with 
numerous,  minute,  sharp  teeth. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin,  which  is  of  a  lighter  color  than  the 
body,  and  variegated  with  black,  is  situated  the  length  of  the 
head  back  of  the  head. 

The  second  Dorsal,  arising  one  fourth  of  an  inch  back  of  the 
first,  is  continued  to  the  tail ;  upon  the  lower  portion  of  this 
fin  is  a  row  of  dark-colored  spots,  and  its  edge  is  margined 
with  black. 

The  Pectorals  are  three  quarters  of  an  inch  long,  and  dark 
colored  at  their  extremities. 

The  Ventrals  are  small,  color  of  the  pectorals,  terminating  in 
a  point. 

The  Anal  fin  is  of  the  same  length  as  the  dorsal,  and  like  it 
is  joined  to  the  commencement  of  the  caudal  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  rounded,  colored,  and  margined  like  the 
dorsal  and  anal  fins. 

The  fleshy  texture  of  the  membrane  forming  the  several 
fins,  prevents  the  rays  from  being  counted. 


' n     ..% 


% 

FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

,  **  i 

. 

BROSMIUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Body  elongated ;  a  single  dorsal  fin 
extending  the  whole  length  of  the  back  ;  one  barbule  at  the 
chin  ;  ventral  fins  fleshy. 

B.     vulgaris.     Cuv.      The  Cusk. 

, 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  178  et  fig. 
YurreU's  British  Fishes,  ii.  197  et  fig. 

• 

Although  Le  Sueur's  description  of  a  "  Brosmius"  which 
he  calls  flavescens,  from  a  specimen  seen  by  him  at  Marble- 
head,  published  in  the  fifth  volume  of  the  "  Memoir es  du  Mu- 
seum d'Histoire  Naturelle"  lies  before  me,  I  cannot  think  our 
common  cusk  a  different  species  from  the  European.  Our 
species  is  commonly  taken  upon  the  Middle  Bank,  with  the 
hook,  while  fishing  for  deep-water  cod.  In  the  spring  of  the 
year  it  is  not  unfrequently  met  with  in  the  Boston  market,  and 
does  not  sell  as  readily  as  the  cod ;  in  the  winter  season  it  is 
rare,  and  then  sells  readily  for  double  the  prices  of  that  species. 
By  many,  as  afresh  fish  it  is  considered  quite  a  delicacy  ;  and 
when  salted,  is  thought  preferable  to  the  Cod. 

The  liver  of  this  species  contains  a  large  quantity  of  oil, 
which  is  sometimes  preserved  by  the  fishermen,  who  consider 
it  an  excellent  application  to  a  burned  surface. 

The  following  description  is  drawn  up  from  a  specimen 
twenty  five  inches  in  length,  weighing  between  three  and  four 
pounds.  Color  of  the  body  an  uniform  dark  slate  ;  head 
rather  darker  than  the  body.  Head,  one  fifth  the  length  of 
the  body  ;  width  of  the  body  across  the  commencement  of  the 
anal  fin,  exclusive  of  the  dorsal  fin,  equal  to  one  sixth  the  length 
of  the  specimen  ;  width  of  the  head  across  the  posterior  angle 
of  the  operc ulum,  equal  to  two  thirds. its  length ;  the  scales  on  the 
head  present  a  peculiarly  corrugated  appearance.  Mouth,  large. 
Jaws,  filled  with  sharp,  recurved  teeth.  Upper  jaw  slightly 
longer  than  the  lower.  A  single  barbule  under  the  chin. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  137 

Diameter  of  the  eye  equal  to  one  sixth  the  length  of  the  head  ; 
pupils  black,  irides  silvery  j  distance  between  the  eyes  nearly 
one  half  greater  than  the  diameter  of  the  eye.  Extremity  of 
the  upper 'jaw,  maxillary  bones,  and  lower  jaw,  destitute  of 
scales.  The  lateral  line  commences  at  a  distance  above  the 
pectorals,  equal  to  the  length  of  the  pectorals,  and  runs  on  in 
a  straight  line  to  opposite  the  thirty-second  dorsal  ray,  then 
making  a  gentle  curve  downwards,  passes  on  again  in  a  straight 
course  to  the  base  of  the  caudal  fin. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  at  a  distance  back  of  the  pecto- 
rals, equal  to  about  half  the  length  of  the  head,  and  terminates 
just  in  front  of  the  tail. 

The  Pectorals  are  about  half  the  length  of  the  head,  round 
at  the  extremities,  and  as  high  again  as  long. 

The  Yentrals  are  situated  just  in  front  of  the  pectorals,  of 
the  same  length  as  those  fins,  fleshy,  and  similar  in  color  to 
the  head. 

The  Anal  fin,  which  is  nine  inches  in  length,  is  continued 
to  the  tail,  arid  nearly  joins  it.  Anus,  two  thirds  of  an  inch  in 
front  of  the  anal  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  round,  and  like  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins, 
is  margined  with  blue,  and  edged  with  white. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  96  ;  P.  23  j  V.  5  ;  A.  73  ;  C.  35. 

In  a  specimen  weighing  twenty  pounds,  the  color  is  brown 
upon  the  back,  with  yellowish  sides  and  white  abdomen.  In 
this  large  specimen  the  lateral  line  is  very  indistinct ;  the  ven- 
trals  are  yellow  ;  and  the  anal  and  dorsal  fins  do  not  extend 
so  near  the  tail  as  in  the  smaller. 

From  an  examination  of  a  young  specimen,  this  species 
might  be  considered  as  distinct  from  the  European  fish.  A  care- 
ful study  of  all  its  characters,  however,  must  settle  conclusively 
its  identity.  The  difference  between  the  number  of  the  dorsal 
and  anal  rays  of  that  species,  as  described  in  the  works  on 
ichthyology,  and  of  the  fish  in  our  waters,  arises  undoubtedly 
from  the  great  difficulty  of  counting  them  with  accuracy,  en- 
veloped as  they  all  are  by  a  thick,  fleshy  membrane. 
18 


138  PISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


PHYCIS.     Artedi. 

Generic  characters.  Body  elongated;  two  dorsal  fins,  the 
first  short,  the  second  long  ;  ventral  fins  with  a  single  ray  only 
at  the  base,  afterward  divided,  chin  with  one  barbule. 

P.     Americanus.     Schn.      The  American  Hake. 
Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  372. 

I  have  no  means  of  seeing  the  description  of  this  species  by 
Schneider ;  but  as  Cuvier,  in  the  notes  to  his  "  Regne  Ani- 
mal" observes  that  Schneider's  " Enchelyopus  Americanus" 
and  Mitchell's  "Gadus  longipes"  are  the  same  fish,  I  do  not 
hesitate  to  admit  the  priority  of  the  specific  name  of  the  former. 
Deceived  in  my  early  investigations  of  our  fishes  by  the  plates 
of  the  "  Phycis  furcatus"  a  species  taken  in  the  ocean  arid 
pretty  generally  diffused,  and  the  "Gadus  longipes"  of  Mitch- 
ell, I  had  supposed  the  species  I  am  about  to  describe,  as  the 
Phycis,  and  accordingly  catalogued  it  as  such  in  the  first  vol- 
ume of  the  "Boston  Journal  of  Natural  History.7'  At  that 
time  Mitchell's  description  was  not  at  my  command,  to  com- 
pare with  the  fish  itself,  and  I  was  compelled  to  depend  upon 
his  plate.  Further  research  has  convinced  me  of  the  folly  of 
relying  upon  plates  alone  in  ichthyology,  as  well  as  in  the  other 
branches  of  natural  history.  Mitchell  called  it  the  "Codling." 
As  it  is  generally  known  by  our  fishermen  as  the  "  Hake,"  I 
have  prefixed  that  name. 

Large  numbers  of  this  species  are  taken  between  the  first  of 
June  and  the  first  of  September,  on  muddy  bottoms,  between 
Cape  Ann  and  Boston  light-house.  They  are  generally  taken 
in  the  night  with  the  hook ;  sometimes  2000  weight,  varying 
in  size  from  3  to  3D  pounds  or  more,  are  taken  in  a  single  night 
by  one  man,  where  scarcely  a  specimen  was  captured  during 
the  previous  day. 

From  a  fine  specimen  three  feet  in  length,  weighing  nine 

J|>  pounds,  I  have  made  the  following  description  :    General  color 

of  the  upper  portion  of  the  fish,  grayish  brown ;    beneath, 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  139 

lighter.  Length  of  the  head  to  the  body,  exclusive  of  the  tail, 
as  9  to  32 ;  depth  of  the  body  in  front  of  the  pectorals,  six 
inches  ;  depth  across  from  the  anus,  exclusive  of  the  dorsal  fin, 
five  inches  ;  depth  of  the  body  beyond  the  termination  of  the 
dorsal  and  anal  fins,  one  inch  and  a  half.  Top  of  the  head 
flattened  ;  sides  somewhat  compressed  ;  eyes  large,  prominent  ; 
pupils  black  ;  irides  silvery  ;  diameter  of  the  eye  one  inch  and 
a  half;  distance  between  the  eyes  equal  to  about  one  fourth 
the  length  of  the  head  ;  upper  jaw  projects  beyond  the  lower  ; 
both  jaws  are  armed  with  several  rows  of  sharp,  incurved 
teeth  ;  tongue  large  and  fleshy ;  a  very  minute  barbule  at  the 
chin.  The  lateral  line,  which  is  quite  obvious,  commences 
above  and  just  anterior  to  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum, 
and  continues  nearly  a  straight  course  to  the  tail,  being  near 
the  back  throughout  its  whole  extent. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  an  inch  back  of  the  pecto- 
rals ;  its  third  ray  is  higher  than  the  length  of  the  fin,  and  is 
the  longest  ray. 

The  second  Dorsal  fin,  which  commences  just  back  of  the 
first,  has  its  first  rays  longest ;  they  gradually  disappear  as  they 
approach  the  tail.  This  fin  docs  not  extend  quite  to  the  tail. 

The  Pectorals  commence  just  back  of  the  posterior  angle  of 
the  operculum ;  their  length  is  to  their  greatest  depth  as  5  to  20. 

The  Ventrals  commence  at  a  point  just  half  way  between 
the  base  of  the  pectorals  and  the  angle  of  the  lower  jaw  ;  com- 
posed of  a  single  ray,  which  bifurcates  about  its  middle  ;  one 
of  its  divisions  much  larger  than  the  other. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  some  distance  back  of  the  second  dorsal, 
and  terminates  on  the  same  plane  with  that  fin ;  the  ten  or 
eleven  first  rays  of  this  fin  are  the  largest;  they  diminish  as 
the  fin  approaches  the  extremity  of  the  fish  ;  this  fin,  as  a 
whole,  is  not  as  high  as  the  opposite  dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin,  in  its  length,  from  the  extremity  of  the  lat- 
eral line,  is  to  its  width  at  the  extremity  as  3  to  5. 

The  fin  rays  are  :    D.  10-54 ;    P.  17 ;    V.  1 ;   A.  48  ;  C.  21. 


140  PISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

FAMILY  II. 
PLANI. 

PL  ATE  ss  A.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Body  rhomboidal,  depressed;  both  eyes 
on  the  right  side  of  the  head,  one  above  the  other ;  a  row  of 
teeth  in  each  jaiv,  with  others  on  the  pharyngeal  bones  ;  dorsal 
Jin  commencing  over  the  upper  eye,  that  Jin  and  the  anal  Jin 
extending  nearly  the  whole  length  of  the  body,  but  neither  of 
them  joined  to  the  tail ;  branchiostegous  rays  6. 

P.     plana.     Mitchell.      The  Flounder  of  Massachusetts. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  387. 

This  fish,  which  Mitchell  calls  the  "  New  York  Flatfish." 
is  generally  known  by  our  fishermen  as  the  i(  Flounder."  It 
is  taken  in  considerable  quantities  throughout  all  the  warm 
season  near  the  shore,  from  the  wharves,  bridges,  &c.,  and  in 
the  winter  is  speared  through  the  ice.  Those  taken  about 
Deer  Island  are  considered  very  fine,  in  the  market.  The 
largest  specimen  of  the  "plana"  I  have  seen,  measured  in 
length  twenty-one  inches,  and  in  width,  seventeen  inches. 

The  color  is  very  variable ;  sometimes  the  right  side,  upon 
which  are  situated  the  eyes,  is  of  a  rusty  brown  j  sometimes  of 
a  dark,  blackish  brown ;  at  other  times,  of  a  dull  slate  color. 
Scales  small.  Surface  of  the  fish,  smooth.  Left  side  colorless. 

Length  of  the  specimen  before  me,  thirteen  and  a  half  inches  ; 
length,  exclusive  of  the  tail,  ten  and  a  half  inches ;  length  of 
the  head,  two  and  a  half  inches ;  depth  of  the  fish  across  its 
middle,  less  than  half  the  length  of  the  fish,  when  the  tail  is 
included.  Head  covered  with  scales ;  mouth  small ;  lips  large 
and  fleshy ;  a  single  row  of  compact,  prominent,  slightly  in- 
curved teeth  in  each  jaw.  The  half  of  the  jaw  next  to  the 
eyes,  without  teeth.  Eyes  large ;  their  longest  diameter  six 
lines ;  the  shorter,  four  lines ;  pupils  black ;  irides  golden. 
Space  between  the  eyes,  two  lines  wide,  covered  with  scales. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  141 

The  lateral  line,  commencing  at  the  anterior  inferior  angle  of 
the  under  eye,  curves  backwards  and  upwards  just  behind  the 
eyes,  until  it  reaches  the  upper  edge  of  the  gill-covers,  when 
it  passes  backwards  in  a  straight  line  to  the  rays  of  the  caudal 
fin,  curving  only  very  slightly  over  the  pectorals.  This  lateral 
line  is  perfectly  smooth. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  anteriorly  to  the  middle  of  the 
upper  eye,  and  increasing  in  the  height  of  its  rays  towards  the 
middle,  decreases  from  that  point  gradually  towards  the  caudal 
fin,  a  short  distance  in  front  of  which  it  terminates. 

The  Pectorals  are  situated  just  beneath  the  posterior  angle 
of  the  operculum ;  their  length  to  their  height  is  as  1  to  4. 

The  Ventrals,  of  moderate  size,  arise  on  the  same  plane  with 
the  Pectorals. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  Anal  fin,  a  projecting  spine  is 
situated,  nearly  concealed  by  the  flesh. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  back  of  the  pectorals ;  its  rays  increase 
and  diminish  again  in  height  like  those  of  the  dorsal  fin,  and 
the  fin  terminates  on  the  same  plane  as  the  dorsal  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin,  when  expanded,  is  one  third  deeper  than 
high. 

The  rays  are  :    D.  65 ;  P.  10 ;  Y.  6 ;  A.  48  ;  C.  17. 


P.    ferruginea.     Nobis.      The  Rusty  Dab. 
Plate  II. 

This  species  is  occasionally  brought  to  our  market,  in  the 
winter  season  only  j  it  is  taken  in  about  thirty  fathoms  of 
water. 

From  a  fine  specimen  caught  at  Cape  Ann,  and  brought  to 
Boston  market,  Dec.  30th,  1837,  eighteen  inches  in  length, 
and  six  and  a  half  inches  in  its  greatest  depth,  the  following 
description  is  drawn  up. 

All  the  right  side  of  the  body  is  of  a  reddish  slate-color,  covered 
with  a  great  number  of  ferruginous  spots  ;  these  spots,  irregu- 
lar in  their  form  and  size,  are  scattered  alike  over  the  body  and 
head  and  fins.  The  left  side  is  without  spots,  margined  at  the  base 


142  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

of  the  dorsal,  anal,  and  caudal  fins  with  yellow ;  this  margin 
is  wider  and  of  a  deeper  tint  at  the  posterior  extremity  of  the 
body,  and  is  continued  on  the  caudal  rays.  Length  of  the 
head  to  that  of  the  body  without,  the  caudal  rays,  as  1  to  4  ; 
depth,  including  fins,  equal  to  half  the  entire  length  of  the 
fish.  Mouth,  small ;  jaws  equal,  with  sharp  teeth  compactly 
set  together  ;  lips  tumid,  making  the  mouth  to  appear  some- 
what like  that  of  a  "  catostomus"  Nostrils,  double.  E yes 
situated  exactly  over  each  other,  separated  by  a  narrow  bony 
ridge,  destitute  of  scales ;  longest  diameter  of  the  eye,  nearly 
equal  to  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  head.  The  lateral  line 
commences  about  the  length  of  the  ventral  fin  above  the  pec- 
torals, and  making  a  high  arch  over  the  pectorals,  commences 
a  straight  course  on  a  line  opposite  the  twenty-fourth  ray  of 
the  dorsal  fin,  and  is  continued  to  the  extremity  of  the  caudal 
rays. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  over  the  anterior  third  of  the 
upper  eye,  and  increasing  in  the  length  of  its  rays,  which 
are  longest  towards  the  middle  of  the  body,  and  again  diminish 
in  their  length,  terminates  about  an  inch  anterior  to  the 
rays  of  the  caudal  fin. 

The  length  of  the  Pectorals,  one  line  more  than  one  fourth 
the  length  of  the  head. 

The  Ventrals  commence  on  a  line  with  the  base  of  the  pec- 
torals. 

Anterior  to  the  Anal  fin  is  a  strong  spine  which  projects  for- 
wards, almost  concealed  by  the  flesh.  The  anal  fin  commen- 
ces under  the  posterior  third  of  the  right  ventral  fin,  and  ter- 
minates on  a  plane  with  the  dorsal  fin ;  the  rays  of  this  fin, 
like  those  of  the  dorsal,  are  longest  towards  the  middle  of  the 
fin. 

The  length  of  the  Caudal  fin,  one  third  more  than  its  depth 
at  the  base. 

The  anal,  dorsal,  and  ventral  fins  on  the  left  side,  white, 
tinged  with  yellow  ;  pectorals,  on  same  side,  white.  Fins  on 
the  right  side  edged  with  white. 

The  fin  rays  are :  D.  76 ;  P.  10  ;  V.  6  ;  A.  55 ;  C.  18. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  143 

The  most  careless  observer  would  readily  distinguish  this 
from  the  "  Pleuronectes  dentatus"  of  Mitchell,  by  its  small 
mouth,  fleshy  lips,  closely  set  teeth,  and  arched  lateral  line. 

It  more  nearly  resembles  the  "  limanda,"  Lin.  than  any  other 
species  ;  so  great  indeed  is  its  similarity  that  a  minute  exam- 
ination is  necessary  to  decide  its  difference.  In  its  color ;  the 
number  of  its  fin  rays  ;  its  general  size  ;  the  curved  lateral  line  ; 
size  of  the  mouth  ;  ridge  between  the  eyes,  and  several  other 
minor  particulars,  it  agrees  pretty  well  with  the  description  in 
the  books  of  that  species.  But  in  other  characters  equally 
important,  it  differs.  The  "  limanda"  is  very  rough  on  its  sur- 
face ;  our  fish  is  perfectly  smooth.  The  color  of  the  former,  an 
uniform  pale  brown  ;  of  the  latter,  a  rusty  color  with  spots  of 
a  deeper  brown  in  the  recent  specimen  ;  in  the  former,  the 
teeth  are  separated  ;  in  the  latter,  they  are  very  close  to  each 
other,  striking  when  the  mouth  is  closed,  upon  each  other's 
tops ;  the  length  of  the  pectorals  of  the  former,  is  nearly  two 
thirds  the  length  of  the  head  ;  in  the  latter,  it  is  one  line  only 
more  than  one  fourth  the  length  of  the  head.  If  we  can  judge 
from  the  figure  of  the  "limanda"  in  "  YarrelVs  British  Fishes" 
(and  the  figures  generally  are  exceedingly  accurate,)  its  dorsal 
fin  commences  back  of  the  eye  ;  in  the  "  f&truginea"  it  com- 
mences over  the  anterior  third  of  the  upper  eye. 


P.     dentata.     Mitchell.      The  Flounder  of  New  York. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Fhilosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  390. 

This  species  known  by  the  fishermen  as  the  "  Sand-dab"  in 
the  Boston  market,  is  frequently  taken  in  the  winter  season  in 
deep  water  at  Provincetown ;  and  although  a  marketable  fish, 
is  considered  inferior  to  the  " plana"  In  the  stomach  of  this 
species  I  found  a  new  "  Nucula"  which  has  as  yet  been 
detected  only  in  this  species,  and  which  I  described  and  fig- 
ured in  the  second  volume  of  the  "  Boston  Journal  of  Natural 
History"  The  largest  individual  I  have  seen  of  the  "den- 
tata" was  twenty-one  inches  in  length,  eight  and  a  half  in- 
ches in  width,  and  weighed  three  and  a  half  pounds. 


r 


144  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  eyes  upon  the  right  side  of  the  body.  All  the  right 
side  of  the  body  and  the  fins  of  a  reddish  brown  color ;  the  whole 
left  side  of  the  body  and  the  fins  perfectly  white.  Length  of 
the  head  to  the  body,  exclusive  of  the  caudal  fin,  as  1  to  4  ; 
width  of  the  body  equal  to  half  the  length  of  the  fish. 
Mouth  very  large  ;  upper  jaw  slightly  projecting  beyond  the 
lower ;  both  jaws  furnished  with  a  single  row  of  prominent, 
sharp  teeth,  separated  from  each  other  so  that  when  the  mouth 
is  closed  the  teeth  of  one  jaw  shut  into  the  space  between 
those  of  the  opposite  jaw  ;  the  lower  jaw  has  a  blunt  spine  at 
the  chin  ;  lips  small.  Eyes  placed  over  each  other,  separated 
by  a  bony  ridge  covered  with  scales  similar  to  those  over  the 
whole  head ;  pupils  of  the  eye  black,  irides  golden  ;  longest 
diameter  of  the  eye  nearly  equal  to  one  third  the  length  of  the 
head.  The  lateral  line  makes  a  curve  over  the  pectorals,  so 
slight  as  to  be  scarcely  observable. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  just  over  the  middle  of  the  eyes, 
and  terminates  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the  caudal  rays. 

The  Pectorals  are  half  the  length  of  the  head. 

The  Ventrals  originate  before  the  pectorals. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  back  of  the  middle  of  the  pecto- 
rals, and  terminates  upon  the  same  plane  with  the  dorsal  fin. 
The  edges  of  the  anal  and  dorsal  fins  on  the  right  side  fringed 
by  the  continuation  of  the  whiteness  of  the  left  side  upon 
them. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  91 ;  P.  11  ;  V.  6  ;  A.  70  ;  C.  18. 


HIPPOGLOSSUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Both  eyes  and  the  color  on  the 
right  side,  and  fins  similar  to  those  of  the  species  of  the 
genus  Platessa ;  the  jaws  and  the  pharynx  are  armed  with 
teeth  that  are  sharper  and  stronger,  and  the  form  of  the  body 
is  more  elongated. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  145 

H.     vulgaris.     Cuv.      The  Halibut. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  198. 
Me  Miirtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  p.  250. 
Strack's  plates,  No.  51.  1. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Pliilosoph.  Soc.,  N.  Y.  p.  386. 
Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  £3.  et  fig. 

This  well  known  and  excellent  fish  is  taken  in  shoal  water 
in  large  quantities  during  the  summer  months ;  at  other  sea- 
sons, it  inhabits  deeper  water.  Great  numbers  are  taken  upon 
Nantucket  shoals,  frequently  weighing  200  pounds  each.  An 
unusual  number  of  this  species  was  brought  to  Boston  market 
in  the  early  part  of  1837,  which  were  all  sold  at  considerable 
profit.  Eighty  large  schooners  of  from  60  to  80  tons  burthen, 
belonging  to  Cape  Ann,  were  thus  employed.  The  flesh  of 
this  species  is  rather  coarse  and  dry,  but  is  much  esteemed  by 
many  ;  the  fins  are  considered  quite  a  delicacy.  Fresh,  this 
fish  brings  a  higher  price  than  the  cod  ;  large  quantities  also 
are  smoked  ;  and  occasionally,  the  dried  flesh  is  eaten.  Mr. 
Newcomb,  senior,  informs  me  that  about  40  years  since,  a 
halibut  was  taken  upon  the  south  shore,  and  brought  to  Boston 
market,  which,  after  the  head  and  bowels  were  removed, 
weighed  420  pounds ;  this  specimen  when  perfect,  undoubted- 
ly weighed  as  much  as  500  weight.  The  largest  individual 
of  which  I  have  any  certain  knowledge,  Mr.  Anthony  Hoi- 
brook,  a  fishmonger  in  dtiincy  market,  a  man  of  unquestiona- 
ble veracity,  and  whose  knowledge  of  our  fishes  is  equal  to 
that  of  any  of  our  fishermen,  tells  me  was  taken  at  New 
Ledge,  sixty  miles  S.  E.  of  Portland,  Me.,  in  1807 ;  it  weighed 
upwards  of  600  pounds.  The  voracity  of  this  species  is  pro- 
verbial. Pennant  cites  two  examples  of  ships'  sounding  leads 
having  been  swallowed  by  them ;  one  of  these  individuals  was 
afterwards  captured. 

The  following  description  I  have  drawn  up  from  a  specimen 
4  feet  and  10  inches  in  length,  weighing  78  pounds  : 

Body  elongated  ;  smooth,  of  a  dark  brown  color  on  the  right 
side  ;  left  side  without  spots.     Length  of  the  head  to  the  length 
19 


146  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

of  the  body  as  1  to  4  ;  lower  jaw  longer  than  the  upper  j  jaws 
furnished  with  two  rows  of  strong,  sharp  teeth ;  the  inner  row 
larger  and  incurved  ;  lips  large  and  fleshy.  Pupils  of  the  eye 
black ;  irides  silvery  j  largest  diameter  of  the  eye,  two  and  a 
half  inches ;  shortest  diameter,  two  inches  •  distance  between 
the  eyes,  two  inches.  Nostrils  double  ;  anterior  tubular, 
posterior  larger. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  above  the  anterior  portion  of  the 
eye,  and  terminates  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the  caudal  fin  ; 
height  of  this  fin  in  its  middle,  to  the  height  of  the  rays  on  a 
line  opposite  the  base  of  the  pectorals,  as  6  to  1. 

The  Pectorals  arise  just  back  of  the  posterior  angle  of  the 
operculum  j  length  to  height  as  2J  to  7. 

The  Ventrals  commence  on  a  line  opposite  the  base  of  the 
pectorals  ;  the  third  ray  is  the  longest. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  from  a  line  opposite  the  posterior  portion 
of  the  pectorals,  and  terminates  on  the  same  plane  with  the 
dorsal.  Two  apertures  anterior  to  the  anal  fin  ;  the  anterior, 
the  anus  ;  the  posterior,  the  smaller,  the  urinary  outlet. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  B.  7  ;  D.  99 ;  P.  17  ;  Y.  6  ;  A.  73  ;  C.  18. 

Occasionally  reversed  specimens  of  this  fish  are  met  with  ; 
during  the  last  season,  I  saw  in  Boston  market,  a  fish  weighing 
103  pounds,  with  left  side  colored,  bearing  the  eyes. 


RHOMBUS.     Guv. 

Generic  characters.  Color  and  eyes  on  the  left  side  ;  teeth 
in  the  JJLWS  and  pharynx  ;  dorsal  fin  commences  anterior  to  the 
upper  eye  ;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  extending  very  nearly  to  the 
tail 

R.     aquosus.     Mitchell.      The  Watery  Flounder. 

Trans.  Lit.  ct  Philosoph.  Soc.  vol.  i,  p.  389. 
Boston  Journal  of  Natural  History,  vol.  i.  p.  351. 

This  species  which  has  not  been  noticed  in  any  numbers  in 
our  waters,  until  within  the  last  three  or  four  years,  is  known 
among  the  fishermen  as  the  "  Turbot"  and  is  sold  by  them  as 


FISHES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  147 

the  "  English  Turbot."  It  is  oftentimes  taken  in  fishing  for 
mackerel,  quite  near  the  shore.  Although  it  generally  weighs 
but  a  few  pounds,  specimens  have  been  caught  the  last  season 
weighing  twenty  pounds. 

A  specimen  purchased  in  the  market  August  6,  enables  me 
to  furnish  the  following  description  : 

Length  of  the  fish,  eighteen  inches  ;  depth  of  the  body, 
across  the  middle,  exclusive  of  the  fins,  seven  inches.  Length 
of  the  head,  three  and  a  half  inches  ;  depth  from  the  origin  of 
the  dorsal  fin,  three  inches.  Body  elongated,  with  small 
scales,  perfectly  smooth.  Left  side  of  a  reddish  gray  color, 
with  large  circular,  oval  or  oblong  blotches  of  a  darker  color, 
surrounded  with  a  lighter  margin,  and  also  numerous  white 
spots,  which  are  more  obvious  upon  the  fins.  Right  side  white, 
without  spots.  Upper  eye  slightly  back  of  the  under,  in  a  ver- 
tical line.  Eyes  moderate  in  size,  oblong  ;  pupils  blue  black  ; 
irides  silvery  ;  distance  between  the  eyes,  equal  to  the  longest 
diameter  of  the  eye.  Orbits,  space  in  front  of  the  eyes,  jaws, 
spotted  with  dull  bluish  spots.  Gape  of  the  month  large  ;  jaios 
equal  in  length,  and  armed  with  a  single  row  of  separated, 
quite  large,  sharp  teeth  ;  the  front  ones  much  the  largest.  A 
protuberance  at  the  chin.  Nostrils,  three  lines  in  front  of  the 
eyes.  Gill-covers  extend  back  of  the  eyes,  nearly  two  and  a 
half  inches. 

The  lateral  line  makes  a  high  arch  over  the  pectorals,  pre- 
vious to  assuming  its  straight  course  to  the  tail ;  the  top  of  this 
arch,  is  more  than  one  inch  above  the  straight  line. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  over  the  anterior  half  of  the  orbit  of 
the  eyes,  and  extends  to  the  fleshy  portion  of  the  tail  j  of  a 
lighter  color  than  the  body  of  the  fish  ;  extremities  of  the  rays 
free,  and  tipped  \vith  white  ;  the  first  rays  are  the  shortest  ; 
those  at  the  middle  and  towards  the  posterior,  longest  ;  those 
at  the  extremity,  of  moderate  height. 

The  Pectorals  are  light  colored,  transversely  barred  with 
dark  colored  bands,  having  a  white  blotch,  at  their  inferior 
base  ;  their  length  to  their  height  as  1  to  3. 


148  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Ventrals  are  very  small,  less  than  an  inch  high,  of  a 
light  color,  with  darker  spots ;  rays,  deeply  cleft. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  just  back  of  the  ventrals,  and  terminates 
on  a  plane  with  the  dorsal ;  similar  in  its  form  and  color  to  the 
dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  large  and  fleshy ;  the  depth  of  the  fleshy 
portion  of  the  tail  at  the  termination  of  the  dorsal  fin,  one  inch 
and  a  half  ;  length  of  the  caudal  rays,  two  and  a  half  inches  ; 
convex  at  the  extremity  ;  rounded  when  expanded. 

The  fin  rays  are  as  follows  :  D.  89 ;  P.  12  ;  V.  6  ;  A.  68  ; 
C.  16. 

The  fish  I  have  just  described,  is  undoubtedly  the  "  Pleu- 
ronectes  aquosus"  of  Mitchell.  No  ichthyologist  could  mis- 
take it  for  the  "Rhombus  maximus,"  "  Turbot."  The  "  Tur- 
bot"  is  nearly  round,  and  its  left  side  is  nearly  covered  with 
numerous  tubercles.  Like  the  turbot  it  is  said  to  be  often 
taken  with  the  tra^vl-net,  and  like  that  species  it  is  a  Rhombus. 
In  a  paper  upon  our  fishes  published  in  the  first  volume  of 
the  "  Boston  Journal  of  Natural  History"  I  inadvertently 
remarked  that,  among  other  peculiarities,  it  differed  from 
the  Turbot,  by  the  eyes  of  that  species  being  on  the  right 
side. 

In  several  points,  this  bears  no  slight  resemblance  to  the 
"  Rhombus  vulgoris"  "  Brill  or  Pearl"  but  in  the  latter  fish, 
the  under  jaw  is  the  longer,  and  only  a  few  of  the  first  rays  of 
the  dorsal,  extend  beyond  the  connecting  membrane. 


ACHIRUS.     Lacepede. 

Generic  characters.  Both  eyes  and  color  on  the  right  side  ; 
the  mouth  distorted  on  the  side  opposite  the  eyes  ;  small  teeth 
in  both  jaws,  but  confined  to  the  under  side  only,  none  on  the 
same  side  as  the  eyes  ;  form  of  the  body  oblong ;  dorsal  and 
anal  fins  extend  to  the  tail.  No  pectoral  fins. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  149 


A.     mollis.     Mitchell.      The  New  York  Sole. 

The  only  specimen  I  have  seen  of  this  species  was  sent  me 
by  Dr.  Yale,  who  writes  me,  it  was  taken  Dec.  16,  1837.  at 
Tashmou  Pond,  about  a  mile  from  the  village  of  Holmes  Hole. 
This  pond  is  separated  from  the  sea  by  a  narrow  beach,  which 
is  dry  a  portion  of  the  year.  It  must  be  Very  rare  at  Holmes 
Hole,  as  Dr.  Yale  had  never  seen  another  specimen,  although  he 
had  resided  years  there.  The  doctor  remarks  that,  "it  is  said 
by  common  report  to  be  very  poisonous  when  eaten,  but  I  do 
not  know  it  to  be  such."  Mitchell  says,  "  it  is  delicate  eating." 

Entire  length,  six  inches  ;  length  of  the  body,  exclusive  of 
the  tail,  four  inches  six  lines  ;  depth  of  the  body  two  inches 
back  of  the  snout,  three  inches,  exclusive  of  the  dorsal  and 
anal  fins.  Form,  oval.  Eyes  on  the  right  side.  Color  of  the 
right  side,  dark  brown,  marked  transversly  with  rather  indis- 
tinct irregular  black  bands ;  left  side  white,  with  circular  dark 
brown  blotches,  scattered  over  its  entire  surface,  also  in  a  less 
marked  manner  upon  the  fins.  Length  of  the  head  nine  lines ; 
eyes  small,  nearly  circular,  protuberant,  and  placed  directly 
over  each  other ;  mouth  small,  and  without  teeth ;  on  the  left 
side,  the  mouth  is  scarcely  discernible.  Nostrils,  large.  Scales 
on  the  body  quite  small.  On  the  lower  anterior  portion  of  the 
operculum.  and  on  the  back,  just  above  the  eyes,  the  scales  are 
larger,  and  longest,  at  the  base  of  the  first  two  inches  of  the 
dorsal  fin  on  the  right  side  of  the  body.  The  left  side  of  the 
head  is  covered  with  soft  tubercles,  which  are  continued  along 
an  inch  or  more  of  the  base  of  the  dorsal  fin.  The  lateral  line 
commences  just  above  the  operculum,  and  is  continued  in  a 
straight  course  to  the  base  of  the  caudal  rays. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  at  the  very  anterior  extremity  of 
the  back,  which  projects  slightly  beyond  the  upper  jaw,  and  is 
continued  to  the  tail,  but  is  not  united  with  it. 

There  are  no  Pectoral  fins. 

The  Ventrals  are  situated  just  in  front  of  the  anal  fin. 


150  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Anal  commences  in  front  of  the  posterior  angle  of  the 
operculum,  and  terminates  on  the  same  plane  with  the  dorsal. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  one  third  longer  than  the  width  of  the  base. 
The  rays  of  each  fin  are  covered  by  scales  ;  and  those  project- 
ing backwards,  present  a  very  beautiful  serrated  appearance, 
more  strongly  marked  on  the  right  side  of  the  body,  the  scales 
of  the  fins  on  the  left  side  being  colorless.  The  interstices 
between  the  fin  rays,  are  black. 

The  fin  rays  are :  D.  52  ;  V.  4 ;  A.  40 ;  C.  16. 

Although  Mitchell's  description  is  generally  correct,  and 
might  have  been  copied,  had  I  not  determined  to  describe  each 
species,  so  far  as  possible,  from  recent  specimens,  one  point  re- 
quires correction.  He  says,  "  it  is  soft  and  mucous,  without  a 
spire  or  prickle  about  him."  Whoever  will  carefully  examine 
this  species,  will  observe  imbedded  in  the  surrounding  flesh,  a 
strong  compressed  spine  two  thirds  of  a  line  in  length,  situated 
directly  in  front  of  the  upper  eye,  and  in  a  line  with  it,  just 
back  of  the  commencement  of  the  dorsal  fin,  almost  entirely 
concealed.  This  evidently  escaped  the  notice  of  Mitchell,  as 
in  other  respects,  he  is  clear  and  satisfactory. 

I  cannot  speak  so  well  of  his  figure,  for  the  dorsal  fin,  in- 
stead of  commencing  in  front  of  the  eyes,  is  represented  as 
taking  its  origin  some  distance  back  of  them  ;  the  anal  is 
figured  as  beginning  too  far  back  ;  and  the  base  of  the  tail 
appears  as  if  distorted. 


FAMILY  III. 
DISCOBOLI. 

CYCLOPTERUS, — subgenus. 
LUMPUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Head  and  body  deep,  thick,  and  short ; 
back  with  an  elevated  ridge,  the  investing  skin  enclosing  sim- 
ple rays ;  pectoral  jins  uniting  under  the  throat,  and  with  the 
ventrals  forming  a  single  disk. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  151 

L.     vulgaris.     Cuv.      The  Lump  sucker.     Lump  fish. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  ill,  p.  117,  et  fig. 

S  track's  Plates,  1].  1. 

Richardson's  Fauna,  iii.  200. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Thilosoph.  Soc.  vol.  i,  p.  480,  et  fig. 

Me  IMurtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii  p.  254. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii,  p.  270,  et  fig. 

This  not  uncommon  species  in  Massachusetts  Bay  is  fre- 
quently seen  after  severe  storms  washed  upon  our  beaches. 
Occasionally,  it  is  taken  in  fishing  for  cod,  with  the  hook  ; 
generally,  however,  it  is  found  attached  to  sea-weed  and  other 
floating  substances  near  the  shore.  Richardson  tells  us  that 
"  The  Greenlanders  eat  its  flesh  either  cooked  or  dried,  and  its 
skin  raw,  throwing  away  only  the  tubercles  ;"  and  Dr.  Neal 
observes  "  that  it  is  purchased  at  Edinburgh  for  the  table." 
With  us,  however,  it  is  not  used  as  an  article  of  food.  The 
common  weight  of  this  fish  is  from  3  to  4  pounds,  and  6  to  12 
pounds.  Mr.  Jonathan  Johnson  of  Nahant  sent  me  a  specimen 
from  that  pTace  weighing  15  pounds,  being  two  feet  in  length. 
And  Mr.  Covell,  fishmonger  in  duincy  market,  presented  me 
with  another,  weighing  17  pounds.  The  whole  appearance  of 
this  fish  is  very  forbidding,  being,  in  young  specimens,  a  soft,  ge- 
latinous, tremulous  mass  ;  in  older  specimens,  it  is  much  firmer  ; 
but  in  both,  is  covered  entirely  with  firm,  horny  spines.  My 
description  is  taken  from  a  specimen  17  inches  in  length. 

Length  of  the  specimen^  exclusive  of  the  tail,  14  inches ;  length 
of  the  head,  4£  inches  ;  greatest  depth,  from  the  top  of  the  ridge 
on  the  back  to  the  abdomen,  8  inches.  Color  of  all  the  upper 
part  of  the  body,  a  bluish  slate  ;  beneath,  yellowish.  The 
whole  surface  of  the  fish  is  covered  with  an  immense  number  of 
small  stellated  tubercles,  studding  even  the  rays  of  all  the  fins. 
Three  rows  of  tubercles,  much  larger  than  those  which  are  uni- 
versally distributed  over  the  fish,  are  observed  projecting  from 
either  side.  One  row  commencing  at  the  upper  anterior  angle 
of  the  eye,  curves  slightly  over  the  humeral  bones,  and  then 
passes  in  nearly  a  straight  line  to  the  tail  j  a  second  row,  com- 


152  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

posed  of  much  larger,  wider,  more  prominent  tubercles, 
commences  just  beneath  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum, 
and  terminates  on  the  same  plane  with  the  extremity  of  the 
first  row ;  the  tubercles  having  diminished  in  size  as  they  ap- 
proached the  tail,  as  in  the  first  row ;  a  third  row,  composed  of 
a  small  number  of  still  larger  tubercles,  commences  on  a  line 
with  the  posterior  portion  of  the  ventral  disk,  and  terminates 
just  in  front  of  tho  anal  fin,  forming  the  outer  boundary  of  the 
abdomen.  The  two  upper  rows  of  tubercles  are  of  the  color 
of  the  back  ;  the  lower,  colored  like  the  abdomen ;  the  tuber- 
cles of  all  these  rows  are  granulated  upon  their  sides,  and  have 
a  naked  spine  at  their  summit.  Head  covered  with  tubercles 
similar  to  those  of  the  body  ;  those  on  the  lower  portion  of  the 
operculum  larger  than  those  on  the  other  parts  of  the  head  ; 
diameter  of  the  eye  one  inch  ;  irides  red  ;  distance  between 
the  eyes,  two  and  a  half  inches.  Nostrils,  tubular.  Teeth 
in  the  jaws  sharp,  and  compactly  placed ;  a  greater  number  of 
rows  of  teeth  in  the  upper,  than  in  the  lower  jaw.  Lips  yel- 
low. Just  back  of  the  top  of  the  head,  a  compressed  ridge 
rises  abruptly,  and  as  abruptly  stops,  after  passing  a  short 
distance  back ;  its  depth  being  in  its  middle  equal  to  one  third 
of  its  length  ;  and  its  length  equal  to  one  third  the  body  of  the 
fish  ;  this  ridge  is  formed  of  distinct  rays,  which  are  very  visi- 
ble in  the  dried  specimen ;  the  top  of  this  ridge  is  covered 
with  tubercles  precisely  similar  to  those  which  compose  the 
middle  row  on  the  body ;  directly  back  of  this  dorsal  ridge  is  a 
small  flat  surface  composing  the  space  between  it  and  the  dor- 
sal fin,  whose  sides  are  armed  with  strong  tubercles  projecting 
laterally.  Immediately  behind  this  space,  commences  the  dor- 
sal fin. 

The  Dorsal  fin  is  rather  longer  than  high. 

The  longest  rays  of  the  Pectorals  equal  to  the  width  of  the 
base  of  these  fins. 

The  Ventrals,  together  with  the  anterior  portion  of  the  pec- 
torals, form  an  oblong  disk,  of  a  bright  yellow  color,  with  six 
well  marked  lines  on  each  side  of  its  centre,  by  which  it  is 
enabled  to  attach  itself  very  powerfully  to  foreign  substances. 


* 

FISHES  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  153 

The  Anal  fin,  commencing  back  of  the  beginning  of  the  dor- 
sal, terminates  upon  the  same  plane  with  it. 

The  Caudal  fin,  when  not  expanded,  is  a  little  longer  than 
wide  ;  when  expanded,  one  fourth  wider  than  long. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  11 ;   P.  20  ;  A.  10  ;  C.  12. 

The  young  fish  is  blue  above,  and  almost  entirely  white 
beneath. 


ECHENEIS.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Body  elongated,  covered  with  very 
small  scales  ;  a  single  dorsal  Jin  placed  opposite  the  anal ;  the 
head  very  flat,  covered  with  an  oval  disk  formed  by  numerous 
transverse  cartilaginous  plates,  the  edges  of  which  are  directed 
backward ;  the  mouth  wide,  with  numerous  small  recurved 
teeth  on  both  jaws,  the  tongue,  and  the  vomer. 

E.     naucrates.     Lin.       The  Indian  Remora. 

Sonnini's  Buffon,  vol.  Ixxii,  p.  187. 
Rees'  Encyclopedia,  vol.  xiii. 
Strack's  plates,  45.  2.  a  poor  figure. 

I  have  seen  a  single  specimen  only  of  this  species ;  it  was 
taken  by  a  fisherman  from  the  bottom  of  his  smack,  to  which 
it  was  attached  in  Boston  Bay. 

Length  of  the  specimen,  twenty  inches  ;  greatest  depth,  ex- 
clusive of  the  fins,  two  inches.  Body,  above,  of  a  grayish 
slate  color ;  lighter  upon  the  sides,  with  a  dark  band,  which, 
commencing  at  the  tip  of  the  lower  jaw,  as  a  small  black 
point,  runs  along  its  margin  to  the  angle  of  the  jaw,  then  as- 
suming a  band  which  passes  to  the  tail,  interrupted  only  by 
the  eyes ;  in  front  of  the  pectorals,  this  band  is  only  two  lines 
in  width,  at  the  pectorals  it  grows  wider,  is  widest  beneath 
them,  and  becomes  gradually  smaller  as  it  approaches  the  pos- 
terior extremity  of  the  fish.  Top  of  the  head  flattened  ;  back, 
between  disk  arid  dorsal  fin,  nearly  circular  ;  body,  back  of  the 
dorsal,  somewhat  compressed.  Length  of  the  head,  from  the  tip 
of  the  lower  jaw  to  the  posterior  angle  of  the  operculum,  three 
20 


154  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

inches,  five  lines ;  depth  of  the  head,  at  the  posterior  portion, 
one  and  a  half  inches  ;  width  over  the  same  portion,  two  inches, 
two  lines.  Eyes  situated  just  half  way  between  the  tip  of  the 
lower  jaw  and  the  extremity  of  the  operculum,  circular,  be- 
tween  three  and  four  lines  in  diameter.  Nostrils,  double, 
small,  furnished  with  fleshy  appendages.  Branchial  aperture 
very  large  j  membrane  5  rayed.  The  lower  jaw,  which  termi- 
nates in  a  point,  extends  six  lines  in  front  of  the  upper  :  both 
jaws  crowded  with  numerous  small  teeth,  resembling  very 
much  those  of  a  card.  Teeth  also  in  the  throat,  and  upon  the 
palatine  bones.  Tongue,  rough.  Upon  the  top  of  the  head,  is 
an  adhesive  disk,  four  inches  two  lines  in  length,  one  inch  one 
line  wide,  at  the  anterior  extremity  ;  one  inch  six  lines  at  the 
widest  part  of  the  posterior  extremity  ;  extending  from  the  tip 
of  the  upper  jaw  to  the  middle  of  the  pectorals  ;  this  disk  has 
21  transverse  plates,  divided  by  a  longitudinal  median  fleshy 
line  ;  these  plates  are  light  colored  ;  the  entire  disk  is  margined 
by  a  fleshy  border  of  the  same  color  as  the  back,  from  1  to '  4 
lines  wide  ;  the  under  portion  of  the  margin,  surrounded  by  a 
white  line. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  just  in  front  of  the  middle  of  the  body  ; 
it  is  of  a  dark  slate  color  ;  the  first  ray  is  margined  with  white  ; 
this  edging  is  continued  up  to  and  upon  its  tip,  and  the  tip  of 
the  other  rays,  gradually  diminishing  in  its  width  at  about  the 
tenth  ray,  and  becomes  at  last  scarcely  discernible.  This  fin 
is  seven  inches  long. 

The  Pectorals  commence  on  a  line  with  the  posterior,  four 
lamina?  of  the  disk ;  the  fins  the  color  of  the  body  ;  their 
length  to  their  height  as  1  to  3. 

The  Yentrals  are  just  back  of  the  pectorals ;  5  rayed  • 
their  length,  equal  to  one  sixth  their  height. 

The  Anal  fin  arises  on  a  plane  with,  and  terminates  upon  the 
same  plane  as  the  dorsal ;  like  it,  it  is  dark  colored  and  edged 
with  white ;  its  first  rays,  however,  are  higher  than  those  of 
the  dorsal.  The  anus  is  half  an  inch  in  front  of  the  anal  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  nearly  even  at  its  extremity  ;  at  its  fleshy 
portion,  anterior  to  the  rays,  it  is  four  lines  deep  ;  at  the  com- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  155 

mencement  of  the  rays,  one  inch  ;  at  the  extremity,  when  ex- 
panded, three  inches.  The  upper  and  lower  extremity  of  the 
tail,  white. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  29  ;  P.  18  ;  V.  5 ;  A.  30  ;   C.  18. 

I  think  this  must  be  the  "  naucrates  j"  it  has  but  twenty-one 
plates ;  but  slight  variations  may  undoubtedly  occur  in  this,  as 
well  as  in  the  "  remora  ;"  in  which,  although  it  is  described  as 
having  18  plates,  Yarrell's  specimen  had  17  ;  and  of  two  indi- 
viduals from  Cuba,  lying  before  me,  one  has  18,  and  the  other 
19  plates. 


E.      quatuordecimlaminatus.      Nobis.       The  fourteen  plated 

Remora. 

From  the  only  specimen  I  have  met  with,  which  was  kindly 
sent  me  by  Dr.  Yale,  I  am  enabled  to  furnish  the  following 
description  : 

Entire  length,  five  and  a  half  inches.  Body  of  a  light  red- 
dish brown  color,  rather  darker  beneath.  The  lateral  line 
commences  at  the  origin  of  the  pectorals,  and  making  a  slight 
curve  over  them  to  their  extremities,  is  continued  in  a  straight 
line  to  the  tail.  Length  of  the  head,  one  inch  three  lines  ; 
gill-covers  large  ;  lower  jaw  two  lines  longer  than  the  upper  j 
jaws  armed  with  strong,  sharp,  recurved  teeth  ;  teeth  also  in 
the  pharynx,  upon  the  palatine  bones  and  the  root  of  the  tongue. 
Gape  of  the  mouth  moderate  in  size.  Eye,  one  line  in  diame- 
ter. Top  of  the  head  entirely  covered  by  an  adhesive  disk, 
which  commences  at  the  tip  of  the  upper  jaw,  and  extending 
on  each  side  to  the  eyes,  terminates  on  a  plane  with  the  poste- 
rior half  of  the  pectorals,  about  three  lines  back  of  the  poste- 
rior edge  of  the  operculum.  This  disk  is  surrounded  by  a 
fleshy  margin,  which  is  tipped  with  a  darker  brown  than  the 
color  of  the  body,  and  is  divided  in  its  middle  by  a  longitudi- 
nal fleshy  septum,  on  each  side  of  which  are  fourteen  distinct, 
strongly  serated  laminas. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  about  the  middle  of  the  length 
of  the  fish,  nearly  two  inches  long,  two  lines  high.  Its  anterior 


156  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

portion  rounded,  gradually  diminishing  in  height,  as  it  ap- 
proaches the  tail. 

The  Pectorals  are  somewhat  rounded  at  the  extremities  ; 
one  inch  two  lines  high  ;  three  lines  long. 

The  Ventrals  are  narrow,  five  lines  long  ;  attached  to  the 
belly  hy  a  membrane  extending  from  the  inner  ray. 

The  Anal  fin  commences  a  short  distance  back  of  the  dorsal ; 
of  a  similar  form  with  that  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  nearly  straight  at  its  extremity  ;  three 
lines  long,  six  lines  high  ;  the  distance  between  the  extremities 
of  the  fin  rays,  is  equal  to  their  height. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  32  ;  P.  24 ;  V.  4 ;  A.  30  ;  C.  18. 

This  species  is  smaller  and  lighter  colored  than  the  "  Re- 
mora"  and  differs  in  the  number  of  its  lamince,  in  the  disk. 
Without  dwelling  upon  the  less  important  distinctions.  I  con- 
ceive that  the  individual  I  have  here  described  must  be  con- 
sidered a  new  species. 


i 


ORDER    IV. 

MALACOPTERYGII  APODES. 


FAMILY  I. 
MURAENIDAE. 

MURAENA.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Body  cylindrical,  elongated,  covered 
with  a  thick  and  smooth  skin  ;  the  scales  very  small  ;  lubricat- 
ed with  copious  mucous  secretion  ;  mouth  with  a  row  of  teeth 
in  each  jaw,  and  a  few  on  the  anterior  part  of  the  vomer  ;  pec- 
toral fins  close  to  a  small  branchial  aperture  ;  no  ventral  fins  ; 
dorsal  fin,  anal  fin,  and  caudal  fin  united. 

M.  Bostoniensis.    Le  Sueur.    The  common  Eel  of  Massachu- 

setts. 
Journal  Academy  Nat  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  81. 

This  species  which  is  the  most  common,  or,  I  might  say, 
the  only  eel  brought  to  Boston  market,  is  distinguished  by  its 
grayish  brown  color  above  ;  and  whitish,  yellowish,  or  yellow- 
ish white  color  beneath,  with  a  reddish  tinge  about  the  tail, 
which  color  also  sometimes  extends  along  the  entire  anal  fin. 
Le  Sueur,  in  the  "  Journal  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Scien- 
ces," observes,  "  that  it  is  sometimes  brought  to  market,"  al- 
luding to  the  Boston  market,  "  but  is  not  much  valued  as  an 
article  of  food."  He  must  have  visited  our  market  at  a  season 
of  the  year,  when  the  species  is  seldom  taken,  arid  collected 
his  information  from  an  inexperienced  fishmonger.  It  is  taken 
along  our  whole  coast,  as  well  as  in  the  rivers  and  ponds  of  the 
State.  At  some  seasons,  spring  and  winter,  for  instance,  great 


1 
158  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

numbers  are  brought  to  market  from  the  mouths  of  the  neigh- 
boring rivers,  upon  the  muddy  bottoms  of  which  they  live, 
and  meet  with  a  ready  sale  ;  so  great  even,  is  sometimes  the 
demand  in  winter,  that  it  cannot  be  answered.  At  this  season 
it  is  speared ;  holes  having  been  cut  through  the  ice  for  the 
purpose.  The  markets  are  usually  supplied  in  spring  from 
the  rivers,  where  they  are  now  taken  in  nets.  At  Medford, 
nets  are  stretched  across  the  river,  having  in  their  middle  a 
large  bag  capable  of  containing  from  fifteen  to  twenty  bushels  ; 
as  the  eels  are  going  up  or  down  the  river,  they  are  thus 
caught,  and  are  kept  alive  for  the  supply  of  the  market  in  large 
ditches,  excavated  near  the  river,  which  are  supplied  by  the 
tide  with  water.  About  3000  pounds  are  yearly  taken  at 
Watertown.  Those  taken  in  summer  when  able  to  procure 
the  "  Brit"  and  other  fishes  upon  which  they  feed,  are  much 
larger  and  richer,  weighing  from  one  to  nine  pounds. 


M.     argentea.     Le  Sueur.      The  Silver  Eel. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  83. 

From  Dr.  Yale  I  have  received  two  specimens  of  a  "  Murae- 
na,"  which  answers  in  all  important  particulars  to  the  "  ar- 
gentea" Its  general  color  is  silvery  gray,  darker  upon  its  upper 
portion,  with  a  clear  satiny  white  abdomen.  The  spiracles 
are  as  long  as  the  base  of  the  pectorals.  This  species  is  taken 
in  pots  in  October,  when  it  leaves  the  ponds,  and  seldom  at 
other  times.  At  Holmes  Hole,  it  is  called  "  Neshaiu  eel" 

The  following  description  of  a  specimen  of  each  species, 
will  show  their  different  proportions.  The  specimens  were 
each  twenty-three  inches  in  length  : 

M.  Bostoniensis.  From  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  base 
of  the  pectorals,  eight  inches ;  body  back  of  the  head,  at  the 
commencement  of  the  pectorals,  three  inches  and  five  lines  in 
circumference  ;  three  inches  and  two  lines  around  the  head, 
at  the  distance  of  an  inch  and  a  half  from  the  snout ;  circum- 
ference of  the  head  in  front  of  the  eyes,  one  inch  seven  lines 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  159 

and  a  half;  from  the  tip  of  the  lower  jaw  to  the  anal  fin,  ten 
and  a  half  inches  ;  at  the  commencement  of  the  dorsal  fin, 
the  circumference  of  the  body,  is  three  inches  five  lines  ;  width 
of  the  body  over  the  pectorals,  one  inch  two  lines  ;  pupil  of  the 
eye  black,  iris  golden  ;  width  between  the  eyes,  four  lines. 
Lateral  line,  indistinct. 

M.  argentea.  From  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  base  of 
the  pectorals,  seven  and  a  half  inches  j  body,  back  of  the  head, 
at  the  commencement  of  the  pectorals,  three  and  a  half  inches 
in  circumference  ;  three  inches  around  the  head,  one  and  half 
inches  from  the  snout  ;  circumference  of  the  head  in  front  of 
the  eyes,  one  inch  four  lines  j  from  the  tip  of  the  lower  jaw 
to  the  anal  fin  nine  inches  six  lines  ;  circumference  of  the 
body  at  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin,  three  inches  six  lines  ; 
width  of  the  body  over  the  pectorals  seven  lines  ;  width  be- 
tween the  eyes,  three  lines.  Lateral  line,  exceedingly  dis- 
tinct, appearing  to  divid%  equally  the  darker  colored  back  from 
the  beautiful  lighter  silvery  abdomen.  For  the  extent  of  six 
inches  in  front  of  the  anal  orifice,  a  well  marked  line  or  furrow 
resembling  in  appearance  the  lateral  line. 


FAMILY  II. 
ANGUILLIDAE. 

AMMODYTES.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Head  and  body  elongated  ;  gill-open- 
ings large  ;  dorsal  fin  extending  nearly  the  whole  length  of 
the  back  ;  anal  fin  of  considerable  length  ;  dorsal  and  anal 
fins  separated  from  the  caudal  fin. 


A.     tobianus.     Bloch.      The  Sand  Eel. 
Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  317,  et  fig. 

Richardson  in  his  "  Fauna  Boreali- Americana,"  observes, 
that  as  neither  Pennant  nor  Mitchell  has  described  the  species 
of  "  Ammodytes"  which  they  severally  notice  as  being  found 


160  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

in  Newfoundland  and  New  York,  it  is  impossible  to  judge 
whether  it  was  the  "  tobianus"  or  "  fancea,"  or  either  of  them. 
I  trust  the  following  description,  drawn  up  from  the  largest  of 
a  number  of  specimens  sent  me  from  Holmes  Hole  by  Dr. 
Yale,  will  serve  to  settle  the  point  with  some  approach  to  ac- 
curacy. 

Length  of  the  specimen  six  and  a  half  inches.  Greatest 
depth,  half  an  inch ;  greatest  width,  less  than  three  lines. 
Back  of  a  dirty  yellowish  brown  color.  Top  of  the  head  and 
upper  part  of  the  opercula,  slate  colored ;  this  slate  or  silvery 
blue  color  passes  down  over  the  opercula  in  a  broad  band  to  the 
tail,  giving  the  fish  a  beautifully  brilliant  appearance ;  beneath 
this,  the  sides  and  abdomen  are  silvery.  The  distance  from  the 
extremity  of  the  snout  to  the  end  of  the  gill-covers,  is  to  the 
whole  length  of  the  fish  as  1  to  5.  Depth  of  the  body  equal 
to  one  third  the  length  of  the  head.  Lower  jaw  projecting 
beyond  the  upper,  and  terminated  by  &  conical  tip.  Gill-covers 
silvery  ;  from  the  anterior  inferior  portion  of  the  operculum,  a 
few  slight  striae  pass  obliquely  upwards,  backwards,  and  down- 
wards to  the  posterior  margin  of  the  operculum.  Nostrils 
double,  and  situated  half  way  between  the  eyes  and  the  snout. 
Pupil  of  the  eye  black  j  iris  silvery  ;  diameter  of  the  eye,  one 
line.  Lateral  line  indented  and  straight. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  two  lines  back  of  the  posterior 
angle  of  the  gill-covers,  on  a  line  with  the  end  of  the  pectorals  j 
this  fin  is  situated  in  a  groove  throughout  its  whole  length, 
and  terminates  two  lines  from  the  base  of  the  caudal  fin. 

The  Pectorals  arise  under  the  posterior  angle  of  the  gill- 
covers  j  in  length  they  are  one  third  less  than  the  head.  From 
the  base  of  the  pectorals,  a  slight  membrane  extends  along 
the  whole  lower  part  of  the  abdomen  on  both  sides,  scarcely 
perceptible  towards  the  tail. 

The  Anal  fin  is  just  one  third  the  length  of  the  whole  body. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  forked. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  61 ;  P.  13  ;  A.  28  ;  C.  14. 

This  species  is  evidently  not  the  "  lancea."  To  mention  no 
other  character,  the  dorsal  fin  in  the  "  fancea"  commences 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  161 

on  a  line  with  the  middle  of  the  pectoral  fin.  Although  the 
"  tobianus"  attains  the  length  of  several  inches  more  than 
any  of  the  specimens  before  me,  and  differs  somewhat  in  the 
number  of  its  fin  rays,  yet  the  general  characters  of  the  foreign 
species  and  our  fish  coincide  so  nearly,  that  I  am  led  to  believe 
them  to  be  the  same. 

On  several  portions  of  the  coast  of  Great  Britain,  these  fishes 
are  readily  eaten  by  the  poorer  classes.  But  as  more  palatable 
species  are  easily  obtained  with  us,  they  are  allowed  to  collect 
on  the  shore  in  large  quantities,  to  be  devoured  by  their  nume- 
rous enemies,  among  which  the  Cuttle  fish  prey  upon  them 
voraciously. 

Since  writing  the  above  description,  I  have  received  a  fine 
specimen,  five  and  a  half  inches  in  length,  from  Nahant,  which 
satisfies  me  perfectly  as  to  this  species  being  the  "  tobianus" 
In  this  specimen  the  fin  rays  are  as  follows:  D.  54;  P.  13; 
A.  26  ;  C.  17. 

21 


ORDER   V. 

LOPHOBRANCHIL 


FAMILY  I. 
SYNGNATHIDAE. 

SYNGNATHUS.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Body  elongated,  slender,  covered  with 
a  series  of  indurated  plates  arranged  in  parallel  lines  ;  head 
long  ;  both  jaws  produced,  united,  tubular  ;  no  ventral  fins. 

S.    fuscus.     Nobis.      The  brown  Pipe  fish. 

I  am  strongly  impressed  with  the  belief  that  the  fish  noticed 
as  the  "  S.  typhle"  by  Mitchell,  in  his  "Fishes  of  New  York," 
is  not  that  fish,  but  the  same  as  the  species  before  me,  which 
I  conceive  to  be  a  previously  unnoticed  species.  I  am  in- 
indebted  for  my  specimen  to  Mr.  Jonathan  Johnson  of  Nahant. 

Body  elongated,  tapering  exceedingly  to  the  tail,  covered  with 
parallel  horny  plates,  of  an  irregular  dull  brown  color  above  ; 
lighter  beneath.  Body,  in  front  of  the  anal  fin,  heptangular, 
with  three  ridges  on  each  side  ;  above,  in  the  middle,  and  be- 
low, and  another  in  the  middle  of  the  abdomen  terminating 
at  the  anus.  Throughout  the  greater  portion  of  the  length  of 
the  dorsal  fin,  the  body  is  hexangular.  In  front  of  the  anus, 
are  nineteen  transverse  plates  ;  between  the  anus  and  the  cau- 
dal rays,  are  forty  plates.  Length  of  the  specimen  six  inches ;  the 
distance  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  posterior  angle  of  the 
operculum  one  eighth  the  length  of  the  fish  ;  the  distance  be- 
tween the  snout  and  the  anterior  angle  of  the  eye,  and  that 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  163 

between  the  same  angle  and  the  origin  of  the  pectorals,  equal. 
Jaws  tubular,  compressed,  a  slight  ridge  above ;  lower  jaw 
rather  the  longer,  passing  obliquely  upward  to  form  the  mouth ; 
top  of  the  head  depressed  ;  a  furrow  between  the  eyes  ;  a  crest 
on  the  neck  ;  eyes  circular,  half  a  line  in  diameter.  Operculum 
brown  above,  golden  beneath;  under  the  glass,  exhibiting 
minute  granulations,  and  radiating  strias. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  two  inches  two  lines  from  the  tip  of 
the  snout ;  the  height  of  the  fin  one  seventh  of  its  length,  of  a 
light  brown  color. 

The  Pectorals  just  back  of  the  operculum.  the  color  of  the 
under  part  of  the  body  ;  length,  one  half  of  the  height.  * 

The  Anal  fin  is  situated  under  the  middle  of  the  dorsal  fin, 
and  is  very  minute. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  two  lines  in  length,  darker  colored  than 
the  body,  rounded  at  the  extremity. 

The  fin  rays  are :    D.  38 ;  P.  13  ;  A.  3  ;  C.  9. 

Since  the  above  description  was  drawn  up,  I  have  received 
a  specimen  also  from  Dr.  Yale. 


S.     Peckianus*     Nobis.     Peck's  Pipefish. 

Plate  I.  Fig.  2. 

The  specimen  here  described  was  received  from  Dr.  Yale, 
who  thus  writes  me  from  Holmes  Hole  :  "  The  small  pipe  fish 
was  taken  in  a  pond,  south  side  of  the  Isl'and,  which  commu- 
nicates with  the  sea." 

Its  length  is  six  inches.  Its  whole  surface  is  covered  with 
horny  striated  plates  ;  the  body  gradually  tapering  from  the  head 
to  the  tail,  at  which  part  it  is  nearly  a  point.  On  each  side  of  the 

*  Tnthe  remarks  which  precede  this  Report,  this  species  is  called  "  Peckii."  It  has  been 
suggested  that  this  is  incorrect,  and  that  naturalists  would  do  well  to  observe  the  following 
Linnsean  law  relating  to  this  subject :  "  When  species  are  named  after  individuals,  the  rule 
of  composition  is  this  :  if  the  individual  is  the  discoverer  or  the  describer  of  it,  the  specific 
name  is  then  to  be  in  the  genitive  case  ;  but  if  the  name  is  merely  a  compliment,  without 
reference  to  either  of  these  circumstances,  the  name  should  be  rendered  in  an  adjective 
form,  with  the  termination,  anus,  a,  urn" 

Lindley's  Introduction  to  Botany ,  sec.  ed.  p.  458. 

Agreeably  to  this  suggestion,  I  have  changed  the  name  as  above. 


164  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

anterior  portion  of  the  body,  are  three  ridges,  and  one  passes 
from  the  neck  through  the  middle  of  the  abdomen  to  the  vent ; 
this  ridge  upon  the  abdomen  does  not  exist  back  of  the  vent. 
In  front  of  the  posterior  extremity  of  the  dorsal  fin,  the  body 
is  hexangular  ;  back  of  this  fin,  quadrangular.  Color  of  the 
specimen  very  similar  to  that  of  the  preceding  species.  The 
divisions  of  the  abdominal  plates  marked  on  their  outer  edges 
by  lines  of  a  darker  color  ;  these  are  very  obvious  upon  the 
plates  of  the  posterior  portion  of  the  body ;  much  less  distinct 
upon  the  plates  in  front  of  the  dorsal  fin.  Length  of  the  head, 
from  the  extremity  of  the  snout  to  the  posterior  angle  of  the 
operculurn,  nearly  six  lines  :  a  depression  between  the  eyes  ; 
and  a  ridge  upon  the  occiput,  which  is  continued  on  to  the  neck. 
Operculurn  pectinated  ;  or,  appearing  to  the  eye  of  a  concholo- 
gist,  of  the  form  of  a  Pinna  ;  small  at  the  anterior  inferior 
portion  ;  quite  broad  at  the  posterior,  rounded  beneath  and  be- 
hind, and  covered  with  striae  radiating  from  its  circumference  ; 
the  upper  part  of  the  operculurn  of  a  dark  brown  color  ;  beneath 
white  ;  its  anterior  portion  marked  by  an  oblique  vitta  passing 
backwards  and  downwards  from  the  posterior  inferior  angle  of 
the  eye.  Jaws  tubular ;  upper  portion  fuliginous  ;  beneath, 
white.  Greatest  depth  of  the  jaws,  equal  to  about  one  third 
the  greatest  depth  of  the  head.  Mouth  opens  obliquely  ; 
lower  jaw  slightly  projecting  ;  the  depth  of  the  anterior  por- 
tion of  the  body  at  its  middle,  to  the  middle  of  the  posterior 
portion,  as  3  to  1. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  at  two-sixths  the  whole  length 
of  the  fish,  with  the  anal  aperture  beneath  its  middle  ;  fin  one 
line  longer  than  the  head  ;  length  of  the  last  rays  to  the  length 
of  the  fin,  as  2  to  9 ;  length  of  the  rays  rather  less  than  the 
greatest  depth  of  the  body.  Color  of  this  fin  a  light  brown, 
with  black  vertical  bands. 
No  Anal  fin  can  be  perceived. 

The  only  description  I  have  met  with,  answering  at  all  TO 
the  species  before  me,  is  that  drawn  up  by  Dclaroche,  in  the 
13th  vol.  of  the  "  Annales  du  Museum"  accompanied  by  a 
beautiful  figure,  under  the  name  of  "  Sy'ngnathus  Rondeletii," 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  165 

among  the  fishes  of  Ivica.  In  his  description  he  says,  "  La 
nageoire  anale  est  tres  petite,  et  on  ne  la  decouvre  qu'en  la 
recherchant  attentivement."  Cuvier,  in  the  notes  to  his 
"  Regne  Animal"  includes  this  species  among  those  in  which 
the  anal  is  wanting.  Yarrell,  in  his  "  British  Fishes"  says 
"  the  analfn  is  minute,"  and  considers  this  species  and  the 
"  typhle"  synonymous.  The  "  Rondeletii"  differs  in  several 
prominent  points  from  the  fish  I  have  above  described.  It  has 
no  ridge  upon  the  head,  which  is  flattened ;  the  depth  of  its 
jaws  are  nearly  equal  to  the  depth  of  its  head ;  its  dorsal  fin 
commences  on  a  line  opposite  to  the  anus.  In  our  species,  a 
ridge  exists  upon  the  occiput ;  the  depth  of  the  jaws  does  not 
exceed  in  any  portion  one  third  the  depth  of  the  head ;  the 
anal  aperture  is  opposite  the  middle  of  the  dorsal  fin. 

Among  the  earliest  cultivators  of  Ichthyology  in  our  coun- 
try, no  name  is  more  prominent  than  that  of  William  Dand- 
ridge  Peck.  So  early  as  the  year  1794,  while  residing  at  the 
town  of  Kittery  in  Maine,  he  wrote  a  clear  and  ac- 
curate "  description  of  four  remarkable  fishes,  taken  near  the 
Piscataqua  in  New  Hampshire."  This  paper  was  published  in 
1804,  in  the  2d  part  of  the  2d  volume  of  the  "  Memoirs  of 
the  American  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,"  accompanied 
with  very  good  figures,  when  the  early  period  of  our  country  is 
considered.  The  manuscript  of  his  Ichthyological  Lectures 
also,  afterwards  delivered  by  him  at  Harvard  University  as 
Professor  of  Natural  History,  and  kindly  loaned  me  to  examine 
by  my  friend,  Thaddeus  Wm.  Harris.  M.  D.,  Librarian  to  the 
University,  exhibit  no  inconsiderable  degree  of  research.  As 
the  species  described  and  first  published  by  him  uas  new,  have, 
three  of  them  at  least,  been  described  by  other  naturalists  un- 
der other  specific  names,  I  feel  that  I  am  performing  an  appro- 
priate duty,  in  connecting  the  name  of  our  deceased  country- 
man, whose  merits  have  been  unjustifiably  overlooked,  with 
one  of  a  class  of  animals,  whose  history  he  so  successfully 
endeavored  to  elucidate. 

June  25th,  1839.  By  the  kindness  of  my  friend  Samuel 
Cabot,  Jr.,  I  have  received  a  living  male  specimen  of  this  spe- 


166  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

cies.  It  was  taken  at  the  swimming  school  in  this  city ;  and 
soon  after  its  capture,  numerous  ova  contained  in  its  false 
pouches  were  hatched  ;  so  that  when  I  came  in  possession  of 
it,  two  days  after  it  was  caught,  it  was  surrounded  by  one 
hundred  and  fifty  young,  about  half  an  inch  long  ;  nearly 
colorless,  with  several  narrow  transverse  black  bands.  From 
this  specimen  I  am  enabled  to  give  the  natural  appearances 
more  correctly  than  could  be  done  from  a  preserved  fish.  This 
specimen  is  7  1-2  inches  in  length  ;  its  general  color  is  an  olive 
brown  with  transverse  darker  colored  blotches  or  bars,  thirteen 
of  which  are  seen  in  front  of  the  dorsal  fin.  The  posterior 
portion  of  the  body  is  darker  colored  than  the  anterior.  The 
under  surface  of  the  body  anterior  to  the  vent,  is  of  a  beautiful 
golden  yellow  ;  the  portion  back  of  the  vent,  for  about  two 
inches,  is  nearly  white  ;  this  portion  is  much  wider  than  the 
rest  of  the  body,  and  presents  two  membranous  flaps,  which 
approach  each  other  at  the  median  line,  thus  forming  pouches, 
or  a  false  belly,  in  which  are  contained  the  ova  of  the  female  ; 
the  under  surface  of  the  posterior  portion  of  the  body,of  the  same 
color  as  the  upper.  The  upper  portion  of  the  operculum  olive 
colored ;  the  lower  portion,  golden  yellow.  Color  of  the  snout 
brown,  having  a  darker  line  running  through  its  centre  from  the 
eye  to  the  mouth.  The  eyes  are  prominent  and  very  moveable 
in  their  orbits  ;  the  pupils  black  ;  the  irides  golden. 

The  Dorsal  fin  has  45  rays. 

The  Pectorals  are  lighter  colored  than  the  body. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  black,  and  rounded  at  its  extremity. 

The  motions  of  this  species,  which  is  the  only  "  Syngnathus" 
I  have  seen  alive,  are  exceedingly  rapid,  resembling  the  gyra- 
tions of  the  "  Colubers." 

At  the  moment  these  pages  are  printed,  I  am  enabled 
to  examine  several  living  specimens,  all  of  which  have  been 
taken  at  the  same  locality  with  that  last  referred  to.  They 
have  each,  either  their  pouches  crowded  with  ova,  or  are  in 
the  act  of  protruding  the  young.  And  the  accurate  eye  of  my 
friend  Dr.  Wyman  has  detected,  and  he  has  pointed  out  to  me, 
an  exceedingly  minute  anal  fin,  which  is  scarcely  discernible 
without  the  aid  of  a  glass. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  167 

HIPPOCAMPUS.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  The  jaws  united  and  tubular,  like 
those  of  the  Syngnathi  ;  mouth  placed  at  the  end  ;  body  com- 
pressed, short,  and  deep  ;  the  whole  length  of  the  body  and  tail 
divided  by  longitudinal  and  transverse  ridges,  with  tubercular 
points  at  the  angles  of  intersection  ;  both  sexes  have  pectoral 
and  dorsal  fins  ;  females  only  have  an  anal  fin  ;  neither  sex 
has  ventral  or  caudal  fins. 

H.     brevirostris.    Cuv.      The  short-nosed  Sea-horse. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  475. 
YarrelPs  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  342,  et  fig. 

A  single  line  is  devoted  to  the  description  of  this  species  by 
Mitchell  in  his  "  Fishes  of  New  YorAr."  The  only  native 
specimen  1  have  seen,  was  received  in  a  dried  state  from  my 
friend  Dr.  Yale,  who  found  it  on  the  shore  at  Holmes  Hole. 
He  says  he  "  never  knew  one  to  be  taken  alive,  yet  they  are 
frequently  found  on  the  shore."  From  this  female  specimen, 
I  have  drawn  up  the  following  description : 

Color,  yellowish  brown  ;  entire  length  five  inches.  Length 
of  the  head,  one  inch  ;  snout,  three  lines  long  j  diameter  of 
the  eye,  half  a  line.  Operculum  covered  with  striae  radiating 
from  the  anterior  part ;  a  short  spine,  at  the  base  of  the  snout 
in  front  of  the  eye  ;  directly  above  each  eye,  a  larger  spine  ;  at 
the  posterior  angle  of  the  eye,  a  very  short  spine  ;  beneath  the 
eye,  on  the  neck,  two  small  spines.  Body  heptangular  ;  on  each 
side,  three  rows  of  prominent  spines  ;  on  the  under  side,  a  sin- 
gle row.  Tail  quadrangular,  gradually  tapering  towards  the 
extremity.  The  body  is  divided  into  eleven  segments,  bound- 
ed by  horny  projections  ;  greatest  width  of  the  body,  seven 
lines.  At  the  origin  of  the  tail,  the  body  presents  a  slight  pro- 
jection, for  the  length  of  three  segments,  upon  which  is  situated 
the  dorsal  fin.  Tail  divided  into  thirty-six  segments  ;  at  the 
base,  two  lines  in  width  ;  at  the  extremity  a  mere  point. 

The  Dorsal  fin  has  twenty  rays. 

The  Pectorals,  directly  back  of  the  operculum,  contain 
fourteen  rays. 


168  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Anal  fin  with  about  four  rays  ;  the  exact  number  diffi- 
cult to  be  ascertained,  on  account  of  the  dry  state  of  the  speci- 
men. 

This  specimen  is  a  female,  as  is  proved  by  its  having  an 
anal  fin,  which  Yarrell  says  is  not  found  in  the  male  ;  and  from 
the  size  of  the  trunk. 


ORDER    VI. 

PLECTOGNATHI. 

FAMILY  I. 
GYMNODONTES. 

TETRAODON.      Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Both  jaws  divided  in  the  middle  by  a 
suture,  producing  the  appearance  of  four  teeth  in  front,  two 
above  and  two  below.  The  skin  over  part  of  the  body,  armed 
with  numerous  short  spines.  The  branchial  orifice  small. 

T.     turgidus.     Mitchell.      The  Swell  Fish.     Puffer. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  473,  et  fig. 

This  very  curious  fish,  which  receives  its  name  from  its 
power  of  inflating  itself  to  a  surprising  degree  with  air,  was 
first  described  by  Mitchell.  His  description  of  the  fish  itself 
is  rather  indefinite,  and  his  figure  is  not  scientifically  accurate. 
He  says  :  "  Length  about  12  or  14  inches  ;  depth  less  than  two 
inches,  and  breadth  about  two  inches  ;  but  the  belly  is  loose 
and  flabby ;  and  it  may  be  distended  to  a  large  size,  apparently 
at  the  will  of  the  fish."  "  With  yellowish  variegated  back, 
white,  rough  belly,  and  a  remarkable  propensity  to  distend  the 
abdominal  sac  with  air,  when  he  is  out  of  water."  The  figure 
accompanying  this  description  represents  the  species  as  having 
the  back  rough  from  just  back  of  the  eyes  to  the  caudal  fin  ; 
and  the  space  between  the  eyes  and  the  extremity  of  the  snout, 
smooth.  Of  the  two  specimens  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of 
examining,  one  was  eight  inches  in  length ;  the  other,  nine 
inches.  The  former  was  taken  in  Boston  harbor.  From  the 
22 


170  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

latter,  sent  me  by  Dr.  Yale,  from  Holmes  Hole,  I  would  offer 
the  following  description : 

All  the  upper  part  of  the  body  yellowish  white,  with  an 
immense  number  of  minute  black  dots.  Abdomen  white. 
Several  undefined  black  blotches  on  the  back,  which,  as  they 
approach  the  belly,  assume  the  appearance  of  bars,  six  to  eight 
of  which  are  noticeable, — two  in  front  of  the  pectorals,  and  the 
last  at  the  base  of  the  caudal  fin ;  these  bars  vary,  in  their  ex- 
tent upon  the  abdomen,  from  two  to  five  lines.  The  whole 
surface  of  the  body,  save  the  space  between  the  dorsal  and 
caudal  fins,  and  the  .anal  and  caudal  fins,  roughened  by  innu- 
merable small  spines.  Length  of  the  fish,  nine  inches.  Great- 
est depth,  two  inches.  Width  across  the  back,  over  the 
pectorals,  two  and  a  half  inches.  Distance  from  the  snout  to 
the  anterior  angle  of  the  eye,  one  inch  and  two  lines ;  distance 
between  the  eyes  half  an  inch.  Greatest  circumference  of  the 
specimen,  when  inflated,  thirteen  and  a  half  inches. 

The  fin  rays  are  :    D.  6 ;    P.  15  ;    A.  6  ;    C.  7. 

Dr.  Yale  informs  me  that  this  fish  is  frequently  taken  when 
fishing  for  other  species. 


ORTHAGORISCUS.     Schn. 

Generic  characters.  Jaws  undivided,  forming  a  cutting 
edge ;  body  compressed,  deep  for  its  length,  short,  truncated, 
without  spines ;  tail  short,  and  very  high  vertically ;  rays  of 
the  dorsal  and  anal  fins  long  and  pointed,  both  united  to  the 
caudal  fin  at  the  base. 

O.     mola.     Lin.      The  short  Sun  Fish. 
Plate  III.    Fig.  1. 

Turton's  Linnseus,  vol.  L  p.  891. 

Shaw's  Zoology,  vol.  v.  pt.  2d,  p.  438  et  fig. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  115,  fig.  54. 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  p.  471. 

Strack's  plates,  No.  13.  4. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  p.  272. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  350  et  fig. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  171 

This  is  not  a  common  fish  in  Massachusetts  Bay.  Occasion- 
ally, two  or  three  years  pass  in  succession  without  a  single 
specimen  heing  met  with ;  at  others,  several  may  be  taken. 
Its  motions  are  very  sluggish,  and  it  swims  near  the  surface  of 
the  ocean.  On  account  of  the  great  elasticity  of  its  flesh,  it  is 
captured  with  great  difficulty  ;  it  is  generally  gaffed  at  or  near 
the  branchial  aperture.  Its  flesh  is  sometimes  used  for  balls. 
Its  liver  is  very  oily,  furnishing  two  or  more  quarts  of  oil, 
which  is  used  by  the  fishermen  to  grease  their  masts  with  ;  and 
is  also  by  many  of  them  considered  a  valuable  application  in 
cases  of  sprains  and  bruises.  To  the  kind  attentions  of  Capt. 
Blanchard,  I  am  indebted  for  a  fine  male  specimen  of  this  spe- 
cies, which  he  harpooned  in  Boston  Bay,  early  in  July.  It 
presents  the  following  appearances  : 

The  body  is  oval ;  its  whole  surface  a  fine,  unyielding,  gran- 
ulated cuticle,  covered  with  a  thick  adhesive  mucus ;  back, 
dark  gray.  Abdomen  nearly  white  ;  the  right  side  of  the  body 
rather  darker  than  the  left ;  both  sides  of  a  dirty  white  color, 
with  silvery  reflections.  Length  54  inches  ;  depth  across,  from 
the  middle  of  the  pectorals,  two  and  a  half  feet ;  from  the  top 
of  the  dorsal  to  the  extremity  of  the  anal  fin,  six  and  a  half 
feet.  Weight  about  200  pounds.  Length  of  the  head,  from 
the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  base  of  the  pectoral  fin,  17  inches ; 
flattened  over  the  snout,  which  is  obtuse,  and  projecting  about 
an  inch  in  front  of  the  upper  jaw.  Eyes  rather  large,  convex, 
very  moveable  in  their  orbits  ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  a  dark 
brown,  encircled  within  by  a  silvery  ring  ;  larger  diameter  of 
the  eyes,  2J  inches;  smaller  diameter,  2  inches.  Nostrils 
double,  just  in  front  of  the  eyes.  Mouth  small.  Jaws  armed 
with  a  broad  bony  plate,  sharp  at  the  edges.  Upon  the  top  of 
the  head,  an  arched  ridge  commences  on  a  line  with  the  ante- 
rior angle  of  the  eyes,  and  is  continued  to  a  line  above  the  ori- 
gin of  the  pectorals,  then  a  straight  line  is  continued  to  the  dor- 
sal fin.  The  sides  of  the  head  project  out  from  the  body  quite 
prominently  over  the  eyes  to  the  branchial  aperture.  Opercu- 
lum  directly  in  front  of  the  pectorals,  three  inches  in  its  great- 
est diameter. 


172  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Dorsal  and  Anal  fins  are  triangular,  situated  at  the  up- 
per and  lower  posterior  extremity  of  the  fish.  Length  of  the 
dorsal.  13  inches  ;  length  of  the  anal,  12  inches.  Height  of 
the  dorsal,  21  inches ;  height  of  the  anal,  21  inches. 

The  Caudal  fin  borders  the  extremity  of  the  body,  being 
connected  with  both  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins  ;  its  general  color 
is  similar  to  that  of  the  inferior  portion  of  the  sides  ;  its  outer 
edge  is  flesh  colored.  It  is  scalloped  or  divided  into  digita- 
tions,  about  8  in  number,  of  which  the  upper  are  smaller,  and 
the  sixth  the  largest.  A  broad,  nearly  black  band  commences 
at  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin,  and,  running  along  its  base,  is 
continued  in  front  of  the  caudal  and  anal  fins  to  the  anus  ; 
this  band  is  lighter  colored  along  the  base  of  the  anal,  and 
here  it  is  also  narrower,  being  about  the  same  depth  as  at 
the  dorsal ;  but  along  the  base  of  the  caudal  it  is  considerably 
deeper,  even  equal  to  the  least  height  of  this  fin. 

The  Pectorals  are  in  height  7  inches ;  length  4  inches  ; 
greatest  width  6J  inches. 

The  anus  is  large  and  corrugated,  situated  two  inches  in 
front  of  the  anal  fin.  Directly  in  front  of  the  anas  commences 
a  very  obvious  carina,  which  is  continued  until  opposite  the 
origin  of  the  pectorals.  The  very  dense  texture  of  the  fins 
renders  it  almost  impossible  to  determine  with  accuracy  the 
number  of  their  rays.  As  nearly  as  I  have  been  able  to  dis- 
tinguish them,  they  are  as  follows : 

D.  13  ;    P.  13  ;    A.  15 ;    C.  9. 

Upon  the  exterior  of  this  species,  were  attached  several  par- 
asites ;  at  the  base  of,  or  near  to,  the  fins,  a  large  number  of  the 
Pennella  sagitta  was  found  imbedded,  with  their  pinnated  ex- 
tremities projecting  like  tentaculse;  and  to  them, were  firmly  fixed 
specimens  of  the  cineras  vittata.  One  beautiful  specimen  of  the 
"  Tristoma  coccineum"  very  accurately  figured  by  Yarrell,  as 
being  taken  from  this  species,  was  found  firmly  attached  to  the 
posterior  extremity  of  the  fish.  Closely  attached  to  the  bran- 
chiae were  a  dozen  or  more  specimens  of  the  "  Cecrops  Latreil- 
lii."  The  thickness  of  the  skin,  where  cut  into,  varied  from 
2  to  3  inches.  The  stomach  and  bowels  contained  no  injesta ; 


FISHES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  173 

but  their  inner  coat  was  lined  with  a  large  quantity  of  very 
viscid  mucus,  in  which  was  observed  a  large  number  of  taenice. 
The  muscular  coat  of  the  intestines •,  exceedingly  thick  ;  intes- 
tines 14  feet  in  length.  The  liver,  was  of  a  bright  yellow  color, 
weighing  about  8  or  10  pounds,  and  exceedingly  oily.  Num- 
bers of  "  Cysticerci"  were  imbedded  in  its  substance.  The 
edges  of  the  branchiae,  and  also  their  membrane,  as  well  as  the 
inner  membrane  of  the  operculum,  were  roughened  like  the 
cuticle. 

A  second  specimen  having  been  taken  and  carried  into  Na- 
hant,  during  the  last  season,  my  friend  Dr.  Wyman  visited  it  at 
my  request,  and  besides  furnishing  the  following  notes,  has 
very  kindly  enriched  my  account  of  this  species,  by  the  ac- 
companying drawing  : 

"  Length,  54  inches;  diameter  of  the  opercujum.  3  inches; 
of  the  eye,  2  inches  ;  greatest  breadth  of  the  fish,  30  inches  ; 
pectoral  fins,  8  inches  high,  6  long,  composed  of  10  rays  ;  anal 
fin,  18  inches  high,  10  long,  composed  of  18  rays ;  9  scallops 
to  the  tail,  6  inches  in  their  broadest  part." 

I  am  aware  that  the  ichthyologist  will  think  that  the  above 
description  docs  not  much  coincide  with  Yarrell-'s  account  of 
the  "  mola"  Still  less  does  my  figure  agree  with  his  ;  it  will 
be  remembered,  however,  that  his  plate  was  taken  from  a 
"  preserved  specimen,"  only  fourteen  inches  long  ;  and  that  his 
description  is  drawn  up  from  the  same  specimen.  From  Pen- 
nant's description,  I  should  judge  he  had  never  seen  the  fish. 
The  description  in  Turton's  Linnasus  agrees  pretty  well  with 
my  specimen  in  all  its  important  points.  It  will  also  be  observed 
that  Yarrell  remarks,  that  "  there  is  reason  to  believe  this  fish 
alters  in  appearance  as  it  increases  in  age.  In  a  much  larger 
example,  the  skin  was  of  an  uniform  dirty  pale  brown ;  the 
texture  hard,  rough,  coarse  and  thick." 


174  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

FAMILY  II. 
SCLERODERMI. 

MONOCANTHUS.       CllV.« 

Generic  characters.  Very  small  scales,  covered  with  stiff 
and  thickly  set  asperities,  like  the  pile  on  velvet ;  extremity  of 
the  pelvis  salient  and  spinous  as  in  the  true  Balistes  ;  a  sin- 
gle large  serrated  spine  in  the  first  dorsal,  or  at  least  the  second 
one  is  almost  imperceptible. 

M.  Massachusettensis.  Nobis.     The  Massachusetts  File  Fish. 

The  only  specimen  I  have  seen  was  sent  me  by  Dr.  Yale,  as 
having  been  found  in  Massachusetts  Bay. 

Its  entire  length  is  four  inches  ;  depth  across,  from  the  base 
of  the  dorsal  spine,  two  inches  ;  depth  at  the  base  of  the  tail, 
three  lines.  Body  oblong,  very  much  compressed  ;  surface 
granulated,  and  exhibiting  numerous  minute  white  cilia  sus- 
pended from  its  sides.  Color,  a  yellowish  brown,  variegated 
over  its  entire  extent  with  brownish  markings  and  blotches, 
which  are  less  obvious  beneath.  Length  of  the  head,  one  inch  ; 
jaws  of  equal  length  ;  teeth  stout.  Eyes  circular,  one  fourth 
of  an  inch  in  diameter ;  above,  and  just  back  of  the  eye,  a 
strong,  granulated,  curved  spine,  half  an  inch  long,  is  situated, 
with  small  sharp  spines  upon  its  posterior  lateral  edges,  point- 
ing downwards  and  backwards. 

The  Dorsal  fin  commences  three  quarters  of  an  inch  back  of 
the  spine  ;  composed  of  colorless  rays,  roughened  at  their 
bases.  The  pectorals  also,  are  colorless,  and  rounded  when 
expanded. 

The  Pelvic  bone  projects,  is  quite  moveable,  and  is  connected 
by  a  dewlap  to  the  abdomen. 

The  Anal  fin  is  situated  just  back  of  the  dorsal ;  the  base  of 
its  rays  are  granulated  like  those  of  the  dorsal ;  and  it  is  of  the 
same  form  as  that  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  darker  colored  than  the  other  fins. 

The  fin  rays  are  :     D.  34  ;  P.  12  ;  A.  34  ;  C. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  175 

ALUTERES.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  An  elongated  body  covered  with  small, 
and  scarcely  visible  granules  ;  a  single  spine  is  the  first  dor- 
sal ;  the  chief  character  is  in  the  pelvis,  which  is  completely 
hidden  under  the  skin,  and  is  without  that  spinous  projection 
observed  in  the  other  Balistes. 

A.     monoceros  ?     Bloch.      The  Unicorn  File  Fish. 
Shaw's  Zoology,  vol.  v.  pi.  H.  p.  399,  et  fig. 

To  Dr.  Yale  I  am  indebted  for  the  specimen  before  me ; 
I  have  met  with  no  other  individual  of  this  species. 

Length,  three  inches ;  depth  across,  from  the  base  of  the 
dorsal  spine,  half  an  inch ;  depth  at  the  base  of  the  tail,  one 
line.  Color,  a  light  brown,  mottled  by  a  darker  brown,  which 
is  deepest  above  ;  neck,  silvery.  Surface  of  the  fish,  almost 
smooth  to  the  touch  ;  but  presenting  a  granulated  appearance 
under  the  glass.  Length  of  the  head,  half  an  inch,  gradually 
arching  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  spine ;  lower  jaw 
slightly  projecting  ;  teeth  moderate  in  size.  Eye  circular  ;  di- 
ameter of  the  eye,  less  than  a  line.  Just  over  the  posterior 
margin  of  the  orbit  of  the  eye,  a  slender,  roughened  spine,  one 
fourth  of  an  inch  high. 

The  Dorsal  fin  arises  half  an  inch  back  of  the  spine  ;  com- 
posed of  delicate,  transparent,  colorless  rays. 

The  Pectorals  arise  on  a  line  with  the  dorsal  spine. 

The  Anal  fin  formed  like  the  dorsal,  arises  on  a  line  with, 
and  terminates  just  back  of  that  fin. 

The  Caudal  fin.  is  dark  brown  :  the  upper  and  lower  rays  the 
shortest ;  the  middle  are  the  longest ;  and  to  the  former,  in 
length,  as  6  to  1. 

The  fin  rays  are  :  D.  34;  P.  10;  A.  34;  C.  12. 


176  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

OSTRACION.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Head  and  body  covered  with  regular 
bony  plates  soldered  in  such  a  manner  as  to  form  a  sort  of  in- 
flexible shield,  which  invests  them  so  that  the  only  'movable 
parts  are  the  tail,  fins,  mouth,  and  a  sort  of  small  lip  with 
which  the  edge  of  their  gills  is  furnished,  all  passing  through 
holes  in  this  coat  of  mail.  Jaws  armed  with  ten  or  twelve 
conical  teeth.  A  single  dorsal  and  ventral  fin. 

O.     Yalei.     Nobis.      Yale's  Trunk  Fish. 
Journal  of  the  Boston  Soc  of  Nat.  Hist.  vol.  i.  p.  353,  et  fig. 

The  only  specimen  which  has  been  found  of  this  species 
upon  our  coast,  was  discovered  alive  by  Dr.  Yale  in  1833, 
among  the  sea- weed  on  the  beach  at  Martha's  Vineyard,  and 
presented  by  him  to  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History. 
In  1836,  I  read  a  description  of  this  fish  to  the  Society  above 
mentioned,  associating  with  it  the  name  of  the  gentleman  by 
whom  i't  was  discovered,  as  a  deserved  respect  due  him  by  the 
Society,  for  his  frequent  donations  to  their  cabinet,  and  his 
zeal  for  natural  science.  My  sense  of  personal  obligation  to 
him  may,  in  some  slight  measure  be  conceived  of  from  the  nu- 
merous references  made  to  his  kind  attentions  throughout  the 
pages  of  this  Report. 

The  description  from  the  "  Society1  s  Journal,"  I  extract  as 
follows  : 

"  Body  triangular ;  all  the  upper  portion,  of  a  light  lurid  ap- 
pearance, covered  with  hexagonal  plates,  each  containing  six 
raised  lines  ;  two  subcaudal  spines,  short  and  somewhat  in- 
curved; back  of  the  dorsal  fin,  a  large  isolated  plate  three 
quarters  of  an  inch  in  length,  composed  of  portions  of  the  sev- 
eral plates,  separated  from  the  rest  of  the  horny  cuticle  by  a 
continuation  of  the  ligamentary  substance  in  which  is  imbed- 
ded the  fin.  Form  of  the  body,  very  similar  to  the  bicaudalis  ; 
the  entire  surface,  as  far  back  as  the  dorsal  and  ventral  fins,  is 
covered  with  hexagonal  divisions  or  plates  ;  these  are  very 
large  back  of  the  eyes  and  ventral  fins,  and  include  an  im- 


. 

FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  177 

mense  number  of  small  granulations,  which  are  subdivided  by 
six  elevated  lines  of  similar  tubercles  j  in  front  of  the  eyes  and 
pectoral  fins,  these  plates  are  smaller  and  less  distinct ;  the 
body  beneath,  white  and  covered  with  similar  scales  ;  from  the 
angle  of  the  eye  to  the  ligamentary  substance  at  the  base  of 
the  tail,  are  included  ten  plates  in  a  direct  line  ;  from  the  high- 
est point  of  the  back  to  the  belly,  nine  similar  rows  of  plates  ; 
behind  the  dorsal  fin  is  a  surface  of  ligamentary  substance, 
three  inches  in  length,  of  a  darker  color  than  the  rest  of  the 
surface,  extending  to  the  caudal  fin,  and  containing,  just  back 
of  the  dorsal  fin,  one  isolated  plate.  Subcaudal  spines  short, 
stout,  smooth,  and  a  little  incurved.  Mouth  large,  prominent, 
armed  with  large,  strong  teeth  ;  eyes  large,  and  distant  an  inch 
and  a  half  from  the  mouth ;  nostrils,  less  than  a  quarter  of  an 
inch  in  front  of  the  eyes. 

The  fin  rays  are :  D.  10 ;  P.  12 ;  A.  10  ;  C.  10. 

The  length  of  this  specimen,  in  its  present  dried  state,  is 
fourteen  inches.  From  the  contracted  and  wrinkled  appear- 
ance of  the  ligamentary  portion  at  the  base  of  the  tail,  it  must 
vary  considerably  from  the  size  of  the  living  fish. 

From  observing  the  plates  alone  of  the  "  bicaudalis"  this 
might  be  mistaken  by  a  careless  observer  for  that  species  ;  but 
a  careful  examination  of  both  the  figures  and  the  descriptions, 
shows  them  to  be  distinct. 

The  number  of  the  fin  rays  of  the  two  species  do  not  vary ; 
but  the  comparatively  plane  and  immaculate  surface  of  the  one, 
corresponds  but  little  with  the  very  elevated  striae  and  numer- 
ous spots  which  cover  the  exterior  of  the  other. 

23 


CHONDR  OP  TEE  YGIL 

ORDER    I. 

CHONDROPTERYGII  BRANCHES  LIBERIS. 


FAMILY. 
STURIONLLXE. 


ACIPENSER.     Lin. 


Generic  characters.  Body  elongated  and  angular,  defended 
by  indurated  plates  and  spines,  arranged  in  longitudinal  rows  ; 
snout  pointed,  conical ;  mouth,  placed  on  the  under  surface  of 
the  head,  tubular,  and  without  teeth. 

A.     oxyrinchus.     Mitchell.      The  Sharp-nosed  Sturgeon, 

Trans.  Lit.  et  Thilosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  462. 
Trans,  of  Amer,  Philos.  Soc.  new  series,  vol.  i.  p.  394. 

In  May  1838,  I  received  of  Mr.  Freeman,  fishmonger  in 
duincy  market,  a  specimen  of  a  sturgeon,  which  I  suppose  to 
be  the  "  oxyrinchus"  Mitchell ;  afterwards  more  minutely  de- 
scribed by  Le  Sneur.  This  fish  was  taken  in  Charles  river  at 
Watertown,  and  measured  2  feet  and  3  inches  in  length.  All 
the  upper  part  of  the  body,  of  a  grayish  brown  color ;  inferior  por- 
tion of  the  sides,  silvery  ;  beneath,  white.  Whole  upper  por- 
tion of  the  head,  bony ;  irregularly  marked  upon  its  surface ; 
five  longitudinal  rows  of  flattened  plates,  of  the  same  structure 
as  the  covering  of  the  head,  but  of  a  lighter  color.  The  lar- 
gest plates  form  the  dorsal  ridge  ;  they  are  compressed  at  their 
sides,  and  terminate  above,  in  strong  sharp  spines,  which  are 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  179 

turned  backwards ;  radiated  lines  are  indistinctly  seen  running 
from  the  centre  of  these  scales  to  their  circumference  j  this 
row  is  composed  of  twelve  plates  j  the  first  are  the  largest ; 
that  at  the  commencement  of  the  dorsal  fin,  by  far  the  small- 
est ;  between  the  dorsal  and  caudal  fins,  are  situated  4  plates  ; 
two  quite  small,  just  back  of  the  dorsal,  forming  a  pair ;  next 
to  these,  a  much  larger  one ;  and  lastly,  an  elongated  one  at 
the  commencement  of  the  caudal  fin.  A  second  row  of  scales 
commences  just  back  of  the  operculum,  situated  where  the 
lateral  line  is  usually  observed,  and  is  continued  to  the  base  of 
the  tail ;  these  plates,  28  in  number,  are  placed  obliquely  ; 
they  are  narrowed  to  a  point  at  their  extremities,  widened  in 
their  centres,  and  like  the  former  are  crowned  by  a  spine,  from 
the  base  of  which  radii  diverge  ;  the  plates  at  the  posterior 
extremity  of  the  body,  much  the  smaller.  Beneath  this  row 
commences  just  back  of  the  ventrals  a  third  row  of  plates,  lar- 
ger than  those  of  the  last  row,  eight  in  number,  placed  verti- 
cally. 

The  whole  surface  of  the  body  not  occupied  by  the  plates, 
granulated  throughout.  Head  flattened  above,  slightly  de- 
pressed between  the  eyes ;  the  back  part  of  the  head  ter- 
minates in  a  pointed  plate.  Snout,  blunted.  Eyes,  small  j 
pupils,  black  ;  irides,  yellow  ;  diameter  of  the  eye,  equal  to  one 
fifth  the  distance  between  the  eyes.  Nostrils  double,  situated 
directly  in  front  of  the  eyes,  the  inferior  much  the  larger.  The 
operculurn  consists  of  a  single  large  plate  with  rays,  diverging 
from  its  centre.  Mouth  without  teeth,  situated  on  the  under 
surface  of  the  head,  half  as  wide  as  long,  capable  of  great  pro- 
trusion ;  half  way  between  the  mouth  and  the  extremity  of 
the  snout,  are  situated  four  cirrhi  placed  on  a  line  across,  nearly 
as  long  as  the  mouth. 

The  Dorsal  fin  is  situated  at  the  posterior  extremity  of  the 
body ;  the  first  rays  are  higher  than  the  length  of  the  fin. 

The  Pectorals  arise  from  a  strong,  triangular  plate  ;  the  first 
ray  is  very  large  and  strong  ;  the  seventh  and  eighth  rays  the 
longest ;  width  of  the  fins  at  their  base,  less  than  half  of  their 
length. 


180  FISHES  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  Ventrals  are  placed  far  back,  width  at  their  base,  equal 
to  two  thirds  of  their  height. 

The  length  of  the  Anal  fin  is  equal  to  half  of  its  height ;  the 
last  rays  equal  in  height  to  one  third  the  height  of  the  longest 
rays. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  forked  ;  its  upper  lobe  nearly  double  the 
length  of  the  lower ;  the  membranous  structure  of  this  fin 
renders  it  extremely  difficult  to  count  the  number  of  its  rays 
with  accuracy. 

The  specimen  I  have  described  is  evidently  a  young  fish. 
My  friend,  Thomas  A.  Greene,  Esq.  of  New  Bedford,  writes  me 
from  that  place  under  date  of  May  20th,  1838  :  "  On  visiting 
the  market  a  few  mornings  since,  I  saw  two  huge  sturgeons 
more  than  six  feet  long  ;  they  were  taken  in  a  seine  the  day 
before." 

I  learn  from  the  fishermen  that  sturgeons  are  sometimes 
taken  in  our  Bay,  eight  or  ten  feet  in  length,  weighing  as 
much  as  300  pounds,  and  that  their  flesh  is  eaten  by  them, 
and  considered  very  palatable.  Mitchell  says,  it  "  grows  sel- 
dom to  a  greater  length  than  five  feet ;"  while  Le  Sueur 
observes  that  the  largest  specimen  he  had  seen,  was  between 
three  and  four  feet  long. 


ORDER    II. 

CHONDROPTERYGII  BRANCHES  FIXIS. 

FAMILY  I. 
SELACHIL 

CARCHARIAS.    .  Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Jaws  and  head  depressed;  nostrils 
pierced  in  front ;  teeth  pointed  and  cutting,  often  serrated  at 
the  edges  ;  first  dorsal  Jin  large  and  placed  behind  the  pecto- 
torals  and  before  the  ventrals  ;  pectoral  fins  large. 

C.     vulpes.     Lin.      The  Fox  Shark.      Thresher. 

Turton's  Linnaeus,  vol.  i.  p.  918. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  97  et  fig. 

Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  L  p.  482. 

Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  p.  285. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  379  et  fig. 

This  species,  which  sometimes  weighs  200  pounds,  is  called 
by  the  fishermen  "  Thresher,"  and  "  Swingle  tail,"  from  the 
motions  of  its  tail,  which  is  often  used  with  great  force  in  de- 
fence. It  is  met  with  in  our  waters  in  summer,  not  often 
however,  pursuing  mackerel  and  menhaden,  upon  which  it 
feeds.  Generally  it  is  taken  in  nets  with  other  fish ;  when 
taken  with  the  hook,  it  is  secured  with  much  difficulty  on 
account  of  the  constant  and  powerful  threshing  of  its  tail. 

On  the  28th  of  July  1838,  I  was  fortunate  enough  to  see  a 
very  fine  male*  specimen  of  this  shark,  which  was  taken  in 

*  Both  Pennant's  and  Yarrell's  plates  are  evidently  taken  from  female  specimens. 


182  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

the  vicinity  of  Nahant  the  previous  day,  which  enables  me  to 
furnish  the  following  description  :  Total  length  twelve  feet  ; 
circumference  of  the  body,  at  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin,  four 
feet ;  length  of  the  tail,  from  its  origin  to  its  extremity,  five 
feet  six  inches  ;  the  distance  from  the  tip  of  snout  to  the  origin 
of  the  dorsal  fin,  measuring  over  the  curve  of  the  back,  two 
feet  and  a  half;  depth  of  the  body,  back  of  the  first  dorsal, 
about  fifteen  inches.  Color  of  all  the  upper  part  of  the  body, 
together  with  the  fins,  a  dark  bluish  lead ;  beneath,  white,  with 
light  bluish  blotches  upon  the  outer  edges  of  the  abdomen. 
Surface  of  the  skin  smooth  if  the  hand  is  passed  towards  the 
tail ;  rough,  if  it  be  reversed. 

Length  of  the  head  thirteen  inches  from  the  tip  of  the 
snout  to  the  first  branchial  aperture.  Occiput  slightly  convex, 
an  arch  upon  the  back,  opposite  the  branchial  apertures.  Eyes 
situated  vertically,  very  moveable  in  their  sockets,  their  longest 
diameter  one  and  three  quarter  inches  ;  pupils  blue  black,  being 
a  longitudinal  fissure,  edged  with  golden.  Snout  blunted,  five 
inches  from  the  mouth  to  its  tip.  Gape  of  the  month  six  in- 
ches in  extent,  three  rows  of  teeth  in  each  jaw,  smooth  on 
their  edges,  widely  separated  from  each  other ;  the  first  two 
rows  nearly  perpendicular,  back  row  recurved ;  teeth  in  the 
upper  jaw,  the  larger ;  in  the  lower  jaw,  straighter.  Five 
branchial  apertures  placed  vertically ;  the  first,  smallest,  just 
before  the  pectorals. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  is  triangular,  eleven  and  a  quarter  inches 
long,  twelve  and  a  quarter  inches  high. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  eight  inches  in  front  of  the  tail,  and 
twenty  inches  from  the  first  dorsal ;  three  and  a  half  inches 
long  ;  three  quarters  of  an  inch  wide. 

The  Pectorals  are  twenty  inches  high,  eleven  inches  long, 
falciform ;  at  the  posterior  extremity  of  the  fin  is  a  small  digi- 
tation. 

The  Yentrals  are  five  and  a  half  inches  back  of  the  dorsal 
fin ;  eleven  inches  long  ;  nine  inches  high.  Anus  large,  be- 
tween the  ventrals.  The  claspers  are  sixteen  and  a  half  in- 
ches long  from  the  anus  ;  depth  at  their  base,  one  and  a  quarter 
inch. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  183 

The  Anal  fin  is  situated  about  four  inches  in  front  of  the 
tail,  four  inches  long,  one  inch  high. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  composed  of  two  lobes ;  the  lower  lobe 
is  seven  inches  long,  nine  high  ;  the  upper,  falciform,  its  great- 
est depth  eleven  inches,  six  and  a  half  inches  in  its  middle, 
two  and  a  half  inches  at  the  extremity ;  greatest  depth  across 
both  lobes,  sixteen  and  a  half  inches. 

The  body  of  the  fish  is  terminated  on  the  back,  by  a  semi- 
circular ridge ;  a  depression  of  two  and  three  quarter  inches 
in  extent,  is  seen  just  back  of  this,  between  it,  and  the  tail, 
at  the  origin  of  which  is  quite  a  concavity.  At  the  termina- 
tion of  this  depression,  the  caudal  fin  commences,  exhibiting 
at  its  origin,  a  very  abrupt  prominence. 

The  ichthyologist  will  observe  that  I  have  made  no  men- 
tion of  a  triangular  process  which  is  found  upon  the  inferior 
portions  of  the  upper  lobe  of  the  tail,  within  a  few  inches  of 
its  extremity ;  the  tip  of  the  tail  of  my  specimen  had  been 
removed,  probably  in  some  encounter  ;  its  upper  edge  had 
healed  over,  but  a  portion  of  a  denuded  vertebra  was  left  ex- 
posed, and  the  lower  edge  of  the  wound  was  not  healed.  So 
that  the  tail  was  probably  several  inches  longer  previous  to 
the  injury. 

In  the  ninth  volume  of  the  "  Medical  Repository"  pub- 
lished in  New  York  in  1805,  is  a  very  imperfect  description, 
together  with  a  rude  figure  of  this  species  taken  near  Long 
Island.  Dr.  Mitchell  when  he  wrote  that  description,  supposed 
it  to  be  a  new  species.  He  was  afterward  satisfied  how- 
ever that  it  was  not  a  new  fish,  as  we  may  fairly  infer,  by  his 
extracting  a  portion  of  this  description,  into  his  paper  upon  the 
"  Fishes  of  New  York,"  and  placing  it  under  the  head  of 
"  Squalus  vulpes"  without  making  any  reference  to  his  for- 
mer remark  "  that  it  is  evidently  a  different  species  from  that 
figured  and  noticed  by  Pennant  in  his  British  Zoology." 


184  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


C.     obscurus.     Le  Sueur.     The  dusky  Shark. 
Journal  Academy  Nat  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  223,  et  fig. 

In  a  paper  by  Le  Sueur  upon  "  Several  new  species  of 
North  American  Fishes,"  in  the  first  volume  of  the  "  Journal  of 
the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,"  a  fish  is  described  under 
the  name  of  "  Squalus  obscurus,"  which  I  have  little  doubt  he 
found  in  the  waters  of  our  state.  Be  that  as  it  may,  although 
he  does  not  mention  its  locality,  he  furnishes  us  with  a  good 
figure  of  the  species,  and  also  of  the  upper  and  lower  teeth. 
The  only  two  species  of  shark  with  which  this  could  be  con- 
founded upon  our  coast,  even  by  a  careless  observer,  are  the 
"  Carcharias  vulpes" — Fox  Shark,  and  "  Lamna  punctata" — 
Mackerel  Shark  ;  in  both  these  species,  the  edges  of  the  teeth 
are  smooth.  In  the  "  obscurus"  however,  they  are  deeply  ser- 
rated. In  the  winter  of  1837,  my  brother-in-law,  Thomas 
M.  Brewer.  M.  D.,  brought  me  a  triangular  serrate  tooth,  he 
took  from  the  jaw  of  a  shark  which  had  been  cast  ashore 
at  Nahant  ;  and  in  the  summer  of  1838,  my  friend  Samuel 
Cabot,  jr.,  sent  me  a  dozen  teeth  which  he  procured  from 
another  shark  at  Nahant,  evidently  of  the  same  species  with 
the .  preceding.  Inasmuch  then,  as  these  teeth  are  triangular 
and  serrated,  and  the  description  of  the  specimens  seen  by  these 
gentlemen,  answers  to  the  plate  of  Le  Sueur,  I  feel  authorized 
in  admitting  this  species  here.  The  following  is  Le  Sueur's 
description : 

"  Tail  with  a  carina  undulated  above,  and  slightly  emarginat- 
ed  at  the  base  ;  pectorals  long,  narrow,  and  falciform  ;  dorsals  and 
anals  projecting  backwards  in  a  point ;  second  dorsal  opposite 
to  the  anal,  the  latter  bilobed.  A  white  spot  on  each  side  of 
the  neck.  Head  flat  and  broad  ;  snout  sharp  edged,  rounded 
and  wide  at  the  end ;  eyes  lateral,  large,  orbicular,  pupil  trans- 
verse ;  narrow,  with  a  nictitant  membrane  originating  below  ; 
branchial  apertures  five,  unequal,  the  first  very  large,  the  last 
very  small,  and  situate  above  the  origin  of  the  pectoral  fins  ; 
nostrils  oblique  and  partially  covered  by  a  short,  pointed  ap- 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  185 

pendage  on  the  margin,  near  the  end  of  the  snout ;  tail  round- 
ed, strong,  with  a  falciform  fin,  terminating  in  a  distinct,  tri- 
angular, lanceolate  lobe ;  lower  lobe  of  the  fin  short  and 
rounded  ;  ventrals  small  subquadrangular,  without  posterior 
process  ;  teeth  triangular,  serrate." 


LAMNA.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Point  of  the  nose  conical,  nostrils  pierced 
on  its  under  surface  ;  all  the  five  branchial  apertures  in  ad- 
vance of  the  origin  of  the  pectorals  ;  the  first  dorsal  fin  placed 
much  nearer  the  line  of  the  pectoral  than  the  anal  fin  ;  lobes 
of  the  tail  nearly  equal. 

L.    punctata.     Mitchell.      The  mackerel  Shark. 

Plate  III.  fig.  2. 
Trans.  Lit.  et  Fhilosoph.  Soc.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  483. 

In  the  summer,  this  is  quite  a  common  species  in  our  waters. 
The  fishermen  while  fishing  for  Mackerel  and  Cod,  are  fre- 
quently much  annoyed  by  having  their  hooks  and  lines  bitten 
off  by  this  intruder.  It  occasionally  attains  the  length  of  eight 
or  nine  feet,  and  weighs  between  300  and  40U  pounds.  No 
portion  of  it  is  used  save  the  liver  ;  this  organ  however  furnish- 
es a  valuable  oil.  Seven  gallons  of  oil  are  not  unfrequently 
extracted  from  the  liver  of  a  single  fish.  And  although  it  is 
generally  used  only  by  the  curriers,  yet,  when  carefully  pre- 
pared by  boiling  the  fresh  liver,  it  is  as  good  as  ivhalc  oil  to 
burn.  As  this  species  is  generally  seen  following  shoals  of 
mackerel  upon  which  it  feeds,  it  is  commonly  known  among 
the  fishermen  as  the  Mackerel  Shark. 

By  the  politeness  of  Messrs.  Me  Loud  and  Dill,  fishmon- 
gers, I  was  enabled  to  examine  a  fine  specimen  of  this  species, 
eight  feet  in  length,  taken  the  latter  part  of  July,  1838,  in  a 
net  at  Marshfield ;  from  this  specimen,  I  drew  up  the  follow- 
ing account  : 

24 


186  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

All  the  upper  part  of  the  body,  greenish  ;  lighter  upon  the 
sides  ;  white,  beneath.  Head,  small  j  snout  blunted  at  its  tip. 
Eyes  circular,  very  moveable  in  their  orbit ;  pupils  black ; 
irides  dusky  ;  diameter  of  the  eye,  two  inches  ;  distance  be- 
tween the  eyes,  five  inches.  Nostrils  large,  situated  vertical- 
ly under  snout.  On  a  line  above  the  eyes,  a  series  of  mucous 
pores  resembling  black  orifices,  are  seen  running  towards  the 
snout;  another  series,  between  the  eyes,  (on  a  line  with  them,) 
and  the  snout.  Upon  the  entire  under  portion  of  the  snout, 
these  are  also  distributed.  Three  rows  of  small,  sharp,  trian- 
gular teeth,  smooth  at  their  edges,  in  each  jaw,  the  two  first 
straight ;  the  back  row,  recurved ;  the  three  teeth  on  each  side 
of  the  middle  of  the  lower  jaw,  the  largest.  Tongue  large, 
rough,  fleshy.  Five  large  branchial  apertures,  situated  verti- 
cally ;  the  distance  between  the  first,  greater  than  between 
the  posterior.  Depth  of  the  fish  in  front  of  the  dorsal  fin,  fif- 
teen inches ;  distance  from  the  extremity  of  the  snout  to  the 
dorsal  fin,  thirty-four  inches. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  is  triangular,  with  a  fleshy  horizontal 
process  pointing  backward  from  its  base  posteriorly  ;  one  foot 
one  inch  long ;  one  foot  high  ;  between  this  and  the  second 
dorsal,  twenty-three  inches. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  adipose,  rhomboidal,  four  inches  long, 
two  inches  high. 

The  Pectorals  are  quite  strong,  and  somewhat  lunated,  ten 
inches  long,  eighteen  inches  high  ;  seven  inches  from  the  first 
branchial  aperture. 

Length  of  the  Yentrals,  eight  and  a  half  inches  ;  height, 
four  inches.  Distance  between  the  pectorals  and  the  ventrals, 
twenty  inches.  Anus  large  between  the  ventrals.  Eight 
inches  between  the  extremity  of  the  ventrals  and  the  origin  of 
the  anal  fin. 

Length  of  the  Anal  fin,  four  inches ;  height  two  inches. 
On  a  line  with  the  origin  of  the  second  dorsal,  a  wide  carina 
runs  on  each  side  to  the  tail.  The  space  between  the  second 
dorsal  and  the  tail,  four  inches  wide  in  its  middle  :  at  the  pos- 
terior portion  of  this  space,  a  crescent-shaped  ridge,  three  inches 
across  ;  distance  from  this  to  the  middle  of  the  tail,  nine  inches. 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  187 

At  the  base  of  the  fleshy  portion  of  the  Caudal  fin,  a  de  ep 
groove  on  each  side,  running  half  the  length  of  this  portion. 
Caudal  fin  unequal  in  its  lobes  ;  the  upper,  measuring  along  its 
curve,  twenty-three  inches  ;  the  lower,  eighteen.  Depth  of 
the  caudal  fin  at  its  extremities,  two  and  a  half  feet. 

Near  the  anus,  imbedded  in  the  flesh,  I  found  a  specimen  of 
the  "  Anthosoma  Smithii" — Leach. 

Large  specimens  of  this  shark,  which  is  usually  found  only 
three  or  four  feet  long,  have  been  mistaken  for  the  "Carcharias 
glaucus" — Blue  Shark — by  our  fishermen.  Although  the 
Blue  Shark  may  exist  in  our  waters,  still  as  I  have  not  been 
able  to  meet  with  it,  nor  with  any  one  who  has  seen  it,  upon 
whose  scientific  accuracy  I  can  implicitly  rely,  I  have  erased 
it  from  our  catalogue,  and  substituted  this  species.  The  re- 
marks made  in  my  former  report  are  applicable  here,  and  are 
therefore  introduced. 


SPINAX.     Cuv. 

Generic  characters.  Two  dorsal  fins,  with  a  strong  spine  at 
the  anterior  edge  of  each  ;  no  anal  fin  ;  temporal  orifices  pres- 
ent ;  teeth  in  several  roios,  small  and  cutting. 

S.     acanthias.     Lin.      The  picked  Dog-fish. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iv.  p.  88. 
Shaw's  Zoology,  vol.  v.  pt.  ii.  p.  33. 
Me  Murtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  p.  288. 
YarrelPs  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  400,  et  fig. 

This  species  is  known  in  Great  Britain  by  the  name  of 
"Picked  or  Piked  Dog,"  from  the  strong  spine  at  the  com- 
mencement of  each  dorsal  fin.  Our  fishermen  called  it  "  Dog- 
fish." In  the  spring  and  autumn,  the  dog-fish  appear  in 
shoals  in  our  bay  ;  they  are  frequently  met  with  in  immense 
numbers.  At  their  appearance,  smacks  are  fitted  out  at  Truro 
and  Provincetown  for  their  capture,  to  the  neglect  of  other 


188  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

fishing,  for  the  oil  they  furnish  ;  and  it  is  said  to  be  quite  a 
valuable  business.  The  fishes  themselves  are  dried  for  food 
for  the  cattle,  and  their  skin  is  considerably  used  for  polishing 
by  the  mechanic.  They  average  about  eight  or  ten  pounds 
weight ;  sometimes  they  weigh  fifteen  pounds.  They  are 
readily  caught  with  the  hook.  These  shoals  seldom  remain 
in  shallow  water,  or  near  the  shore,  more  than  three  or  four 
days ;  they  feed  upon  the  offal  and  garbage  thrown  upon  the 
bottoms  by  the  fishermen,  and  so  perfectly  do  they  clean  the 
ground,  that  it  is  observed  by  old  fishermen,  that  when  the 
spring  shoal  of  dog-fish  has  been  unusually  large,  the  cod  fish 
are  found  in  much  larger  numbers  upon  the  same  localities 
afterwards/  In  Scotland,  the  flesh  of  this  fish  is  much  eaten 
by  the  lower  classes,  and  the  refuse  portions  afford  a  valuable 
manure. 

A  fine  specimen  before  me,  thirty-four  inches  in  length,  pre- 
sents the  following  appearances :  All  the  upper  part  of  the 
body  of  a  slate  color,  which  is  deeper  upon  the  head ;  lighter 
below  the  lateral  line  ;  beneath,  white  ;  just  under  the  lateral 
line,  a  row  of  circular  white  spots ;  a  few  similar  spots  irregu- 
larly distributed  upon  the  back.  Length  of  the  head  to  the 
whole  length  of  the  fish,  nearly  as  4  to  9 ;  the  head  flattened 
above,  tapering  to  a  blunted  snout.  Eyes  horizontally  elongated  ; 
their  longest  diameter  nearly  equal  to  one  fourth  the  length  of 
the  head ;  pupils  small,  black  ;  irides  silvery,  with  a  cupreous 
tint.  Orbit  large,  allowing  great  motion  to  the  eye.  The  dis- 
tance between  the  eyes  equal  to  more  than  half  the  length-  of 
the  head.  Between  the  eyes,  two  longitudinal  patches  of  nu- 
merous mucous  glands,  which  are  indistinctly  continued  nearly 
to  the  extremity  of  the  snout.  Temporal  orifices  back  of  the 
eye,  and  just  above  the  line  of  the  eye  ;  their  length  is  equal 
to  the  short  diameter  of  the  eye.  All  the  lower  portion  of  the 
head  in  front  of  the  mouth  sprinkled  over  with  mucous  orifices, 
which,  like  those  between  the  eyes,  exude,  when  pressed,  a 
gelatinous  secretion.  Nostrils  double.  Mouth  large ;  when 
expanded,  nearly  circular.  In  the  upper  jaw,  three  rows  of 
teeth  ;  in  the  lower  jaw,  two  rows  ;  these  teeth  have  very  sharp 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  189 

edges,  and  their  points  are  turned  outwardly  from  the  centre 
of  the  jaw.  Branchial  orifices  five,  directly  in  front  of  the 
pectorals.  Lateral  line,  quite  high  up  on  the  back,  and  run- 
ning nearly  a  straight  course  to  the  caudal  rays. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  arises  from  the  anterior  third  of  the 
body  ;  it  is  convex  before,  concave  above  and  behind ;  nearly 
one  third  higher  than  long  ;  arising  from  its  anterior  base,  and 
concealed  in  nearly  half  of  its  height  by  the  fin,  is  seen  a 
strong  triangular  spine,  nearly  half  the  height  of  the  fin. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  situated  back  of  the  first  dorsal,  at  a 
distance  from  it,  equal  to  one  fourth  the  whole  length  of  the 
fish  ;  of  the  same  form  as  the  first,  but  much  smaller.  A  spine, 
similar  in  its  form  and  situation  with  regard  to  the  fin,  is  seen 
here  as  in  the  first  dorsal  fin,  nearly  as  high  as  the  fin  itself. 

The  Pectorals  are  large,  commencing  at  the  last  branchial 
orifice  ;  their  length,  less  than  half  their  height. 

The  Ventrals  are  small,  situated  just  before  the  second  dor- 
sal, with  the  anus  between  them. 

The  Caudal  firi  is  very  large  and  powerful ;  its  upper  portion 
is  broad,  and  twice  the  length  of  the  lower  portion. 

The  young  of  this  species  are  much  more  spotted  than  the 
adults.  A  foetus  before  me,  nine  inches  long,  has  several 
white  spots  on  the  top  of  the  shoulders  ;  two  in  front  of,  and 
two  just  behind  the  first  dorsal  fin ;  also  spots  on  the  sides, 
which,  becoming  confluent,  form  a  white  band  extending  al- 
most the  whole  length  of  the  body. 


SOMNIOSUS.     Le  Sueur. 

Generic  characters.  Like  Spinax  they  have  no  spiracles,  no 
anal  fins,  five  small  branchial  apertures,  approximating,  and 
near  the  pectorals,  but  they  differ  in  having  a  short  obtuse 
snout.  Pectoral,  ventral  and  dorsal  fins  very  small ;  dorsals 
without  spines,  caudal  as  in  Spinax. 

S.     brevipinna.     Le  Sueur.      The  Nurse,  or  Sleeper. 
Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  222,  et  fig. 


190  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

In  a  paper  upon  the  "  Chondropterigious  fishes"  contained 
in  the  first  volume  of  the  "  Journal  of  the  Academy  of  Natural 
Sciences  of  Philadelphia,"  Le  Sueur  observes.  "Near  Marble- 
head  in  Massachusetts,  the  fishermen  take  a  kind  of  shark 
which  they  call  Nurse,  or  Sleeper,  doubtless  from  its  inactive 
or  sluggish  habits.  It  is  considered  rare  on  their  coast.  From 
a  skin  recently  prepared  by  them,  I  have  been  enabled  to  make 
the  following  observations  : 

Lateral  line  black,  undulating  at  the  head,  and  marked  in 
its  whole  length  with  small  transverse  lines  ;  tail  wide,  emar- 
ginate  ;  the  first  dorsal  midway  between  the  pectoral  and  the 
anal  fins,  the  second  a  little  further  than  the  ventrals,  and  both 
very  near  the  tail.  Body  elongated,  with  a  slight  elevation, 
and  narrow  at  the  tail ;  spiracles  distant  from  the  eyes,  and 
more  elevated  ;  eyes  small,  round,  and  situated  laterally  ;  the 
pectoral  fins,  which  were  larger  than  the  others,  except  the 
caudal,  were  four  inches  at  the  base,  and  at  most  five  inches  in 
length.  This  individual,  from  the  end  of  the  snout  to  that  of 
the  tail;  was  six  feet  five  inches  long  ;  and  we  may  regard  it  as 
a  shark  with  very  small  fins,  whence  its  motion  must  be  slow, 
and  confined  to  the  bottom,  there  sluggishly  seeking  its  prey. 
Skin  rough,  beset  with  triangular,  curved,  striated  and  pointed 
asperities.  Color  of  the  entire  body,  a  pale  lead  gray,  some- 
what darker  on  the  back." 

I  have  not  had  the  good  fortune  to  see  a  specimen  of  the 
nurse,  or  to  meet  with  a  fisherman  who  knew  any  thing  res- 
pecting it.  It  is  not,  however,  at  all  surprising,  that  it  should 
be  unknown  ;  with  most  of  our  fishermen,  a  shark  is  a  shark, 
without  regard  to  specific  names.  The  "  hammer  head,"  and 
"  thresher,"  and  "  mackerel  shark,"  are,  it  is  true,  known  to 
many  of  them  ;  but  so  little  do  they  feel  interested  in  any 
species  of  fish  which  is  not  marketable,  that  they  take  no  no- 
tice of  their  distinguishing  characters  ;  and  a  species  might 
often  frequent  our  waters  without  being  known,  unless  it  dif- 
fered exceedingly  from  a  common  fish. 


PISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  191 


FAMILY  II. 
RAIIDAE. 


RAIA.     Cuv. 


Generic  characters.  Form  of  the  body  rhomboidal,  very 
much  depressed  ;  tail  long  and  slender,  generally  armed  on  the 
upper  surface  ivith  one  or  more  rows  of  sharp  spines  y  two  small 
fins  near  the  end  of  the  tail,  and  sometimes  a  small  terminal 
or  caudal  fin  ;  the  eyes  and  temporal  orifices  on  the  upper  sur- 
fice  of  the  head  ;  nostrils,  mouth  and  branchial  apertures,  be- 
neath ;  teeth  flattened,  lozenge-shaped,  the  inner  angle  elonga- 
ted in  old  males. 

R.     ocellata.     Mitchell.       The  ocellated  Ray. 
Trans.  Lit  et  Philosoph.  Soc.  vol.  i.  p.  477. 

This  species,  described  by  Mitchell  in  his  "  Fishes  of  New 
York,"  is  sometimes  met  with  in  our  waters  weighing  200 
pounds.  The  following  description  is  drawn  up  from  a  female 
specimen  thirty-one  inches  in  length  : 

Body  above,  of  a  light  brown  color,  thickly  sprinkled  over 
its  entire  surface  with  circular  black  spots,  varying  in  size  from 
half  a  line  to  two  lines  in  diameter.  Width  across  the  pecto- 
rals, thirty  inches ;  width  of  the  head,  directly  back  of  the 
eyes,  twelve  inches ;  distance  between  the  eyes,  about  two 
inches.  Eyes,  situated  horizontally,  two  thirds  of  an  inch  in 
diameter ;  pupils  black ;  irides  yellowish,  beautifully  radiated 
with  golden,  resembling  slips  of  gold  leaf ;  orbitar  ridge  cov- 
ered with  very  small  spines.  Snout  slightly  projecting.  On 
each  side  of  the  snout,  a  slight  marginal  excavation.  Tempo- 
ral orifices  directly  back  of  the  eyes,  situated  obliquely,  one 
inch  in  length.  Mouth  measures  from  outer  angle,  three  inch- 
es across  ;  teeth  placed  in  quincunx.  Nostrils  directly  in  front 
of  the  mouth,  large  and  protected  by  fleshy  prolongations. 
From  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  a  point  opposite  the  first  bran- 
chial opening,  the  margin  of  the  pectorals  on  each  side,  are 
rough  to  the  touch.  The  branchial  openings,  five  in  number, 


192  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

situated  at  equal  distances  from  each  other.  Body  beneath, 
white ;  in  front  of,  and  at  the  sides  of  the  mouth,  and  at  the 
anterior  po:tion  of  the  pectoral  fins,  are  seen  a  great  number  of 
minute  black  points,  which  are  mucous  pores.  All  the  space 
directly  in  front  of  the  eyes,  save  the  extremity  of  the  snout, 
naked  and  reddish,  appearing  as  if  abraded.  Skin  between 
the  eyes  destitute  of  spines,  as  well  as  a  space  on  each  side  of 
the  spines,  commencing  in  front  of  the  eyes,  of  two  or  more 
inches  in  width,  and  continued  to  the  extremity  of  the  ventral 
fin ;  space  between  the  eyes  also,  and  the  upper  part  of  the 
entire  length  of  the  tail,  spineless.  The  remainder  of  the 
upper  surface  of  the  body,  save  the  margin  of  the  pectorals 
and  ventrals.  is  covered  with  sharp  recurved  spines,  of  which 
the  largest  are  seen  on  the  sides  of  the  tail.  The  anterior 
portion  of  the  pectorals,  reddish  at  the  edges ;  posterior  portion 
bordered  with  white  ;  rays  very  numerous,  and  easily  distin- 
guished. Ventrals  quite  large,  containing  about  twenty-four 
rays  ;  those  next  to  the  pectorals  very  strong,  with  their  ex- 
tremities lobed  •  these  fins  resemble  very  much  the  posterior 
wings  of  some  of  the  "Phalense."  The  tail,  measured  from 
the  anus,  is  fifteen  inches  in  length  ;  on  each  side  of  it,  are 
three  rows  of  strong  spines ;  these  spines  commence  high  up 
on  the  back,  but  are  at  first  quite  small,  and  gradually  increase 
in  size  ;  at  the  lower  or  under  edge  of  the  tail,  is  a  fleshy  bor- 
der or  fringe.  Two  small  dorsal  fins  are  situated  upon  the 
tail,  near  its  extremity  ;  the  anterior,  is  nearly  as  long  again  as 
high  ;  it  is  united  at  its  base  posteriorly  to  the  smaller  fin.  At 
the  origin  of  each  of  these  fins,  is  a  fleshy  tubercle.  Anus 
large. 

In  another  specimen  of  this  ray,  I  found  the  stomach  filled 
with  a  species  of  the  genus  "  Talitrus"  Beach  fleas. 

The  sexes  are  readily  distinguishable  by  the  ventral  fins. 
From  the  ventral  fins  in  the  male,  extends  a  cylindrical  appen-  ' 
dage  about  half  the  length  of  the  tail,  measuring  from  the  anal 
orifice,  which  is  called  the  clasper  ;  at  its  posterior,  outer  por- 
tion, it  is  fissured,  and  contains  on  its  lower  division  a  large 
falciform  bony  hook,  and  on  the  upper  a  small  projecting  tooth, 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  193 

somewhat  like  a  shark's  tooth  ;  the  ventrals  of  the  female  have 
not  these  appendages.  Besides  this  sexual  character,  in  the 
female,  there  are  fewer  spines  upon  the  surface  of  the  body 
generally,  and  particularly  upon  the  fleshy  portions  of  the  pec- 
torals. The  anal  orifice  of  the  male,  is  circular  j  of  the  female, 
a  simple  incision ;  the  teeth  of  the  female  are  more  prominent, 
and  sharper  j  the  male  has  fewer  spots. 


R.     batis.     Lin.      The  Skate. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iv.  p.  72,  et  fig. 

Me  Miirtrie's  Cuv.  vol.  ii.  p.  293. 

Yarrell's  British  Fishes,  vol.  ii.  p.  421,  et  fig. 

This  species  sometimes  attains  the  weight  of  200  pounds. 
From  a  female  specimen,  three  feet  three  inches  in  length,  and 
two  feet  in  width  from  the  extreme  points  of  the  pectorals, 
brought  me  by  my  brother  in  law,  Thomas  M.  Brewer,  M.  D., 
I  have  made  the  following  description : 

Above,  of  a  light  ash  color,  sprinkled  over  its  entire  surface, 
with  blackish  ocellated  spots,  more  or  less  large.  Margin  of 
the  pectorals,  reddish.  Upon  the  anterior  angle  of  the  eyes, 
upon  the  upper  orbitar  margin,  and  also  at  the  posterior  margin, 
a  number  of  very  small  spines  ;  the  last  situated,  smallest.  A 
few  spines  are  also  observed  upon  the  anterior  margin  of  the 
pectoral  fins  ;  the  remainder  of  the  pectorals  naked,  with  the 
exception  of  a  small  number  of  very  minute  spines  at  the  pos- 
terior base,  just  in  front  of  the  ventral  fins.  A  single  row  of 
spines,  larger  than  are  found  upon  any  other  part  of  the  body, 
arm  the  dorsum  of  the  tail,  commencing  a  short  distance  be- 
fore the  origin  of  the  ventrals,  and  continue  to  the  second 
dorsal  fin,  with  the  exception  of  the  space  occupied  by  the  first 
dorsal.  A  row  of  rather  smaller  spines  are  situated  on  each  mar- 
ginal edge  of  the  tail,  commencing  on  a  line  with  the  posterior 
angle  of  the  ventrals.  Length  of  the  head,  to  the  entire  length 
of  the  fish,  nearly  1  to  4.  Eyes  moderate  in  size,  oblong  j  pupils 
black  ;  irides  silvery,  with  a  beautiful  golden  fringed  curtain 
25 


194  FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

suspended  from  above.  Distance  between  the  eyes,  nearly  one 
fourth  the  length  of  the  head.  A  slight  depression  on  the  top 
of  the  head  extending  a  considerable  distance  forwards  towards 
the  snout.  Top  of  the  snout  covered  with  small  flexible 
spines :  extremity  of  the  snout,  naked.  Anterior  portion  of 
the  body  tapering  from  the  lateral  angle  of  the  pectorals  to 
nearly  a  point  at  the  snout  ;  snout  slightly  blunted.  Width  of 
the  head,  across  the  humeral  orifices,  thirteen  inches ;  width 
directly  in  front  of  the  eyes,  ten  inches  ;  across  the  top  of  the 
snout,  one  inch.  Humeral  orifices  directly  back  of  the  eyes  ; 
and  in  their  transverse  diameter  equal  to  the  length  of  the  eye. 
The  ventral s  lighter  colored  than  the  rest  of  the  body  ;  the 
rays  digitated  at  the  extremities.  The  dorsal  fins  equal  in 
length  ;  the  anterior  a  little  higher  than  the  posterior ;  both 
rounded  ;  separated  about  half  an  inch ;  the  posterior  termi- 
nates within  an  inch  of  the  extremity  of  the  tail,  by  a  mem- 
branous prolongation,  which  is  more  elevated  at  the  posterior 
extremity.  All  the  under  portion  of  the  body,  of  a  dingy 
white  color,  perfectly  smooth,  with  the  exception  of  a  very  few 
spines  hardly  perceptible  except  by  the  touch,  on  each  side  of 
the  commencement  of  the  caudal  fins,  and  a  small  patch  of 
equally  minute  spines  upon  the  middle  of  the  tail,  just  in  front 
of  the  termination  of  the  ventral  fins.  Mucous  pores  are  scat- 
tered over  the  greater  portion  of  the  under  surface,  appearing 
like  black  dots,  in  most  instances  distributed  in  a  regular  man- 
ner, although  a  longitudinal  line  of  them  is  seen  towards  the 
middle  of  the  pectorals,  and  another  transverse  one  at  the  base 
of  the  ventrals.  Gape  of  the  mouth,  large.  Jaws  composed 
of  compact,  hexaedral  teeth,  forming  almost  a  plane  surface, 
the  inner  angle  of  the  innermost  middle  ones  beginning  to  be- 
come acute.  Nostrils,  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the  mouth  ; 
this  distance  is  equal  to  half  the  length  of  the  mouth.  Five 
branchial  apertures,  situated  obliquely  ;  the  anterior  largest, 
the  posterior  much  the  smallest.  Pectoral  rays,  very  obvious 
beneath.  Anal  opening,  oblong. 

A  male  specimen  lying  before  me,  54  inches  long  and  36 
inches  wide,  kindly  sent  me  from  New  Bedford,  by  Wm.  H. 


FISHES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  195 

Taylor,  Esq.,  presents  some  dissimilarities  to  the  above.  The 
ocellated  spots  do  not  exist,  but  the  individual  is  of  an  uniform 
light  brown  color.  On  the  margin  of  the  pectorals,  on  a  line 
opposite  the  eye,  are  from  four  to  six  longitudinal  rows  of  strong 
recurved  spines  j  on  the  back  of  the  pectorals  towards  the  late- 
ral angle,  are  four  or  five  longitudinal  rows  of  spines  directed  to- 
wards the  dorsum  of  the  fish.  All  the  under  surface  of  the 
snout  to  the  nostrils,  and  exterior  to  the  nostrils  to  the  angle 
of  the  jaws,  roughened  with  innumerable  small  tubercles. 
The  teeth  have  become  very  sharp  ;  their  middle  portions  pre- 
sent an  acute  angle ;  they  are  recurved,  and  exhibit  regular 
rows  passing  backwards,  with  a  space  of  a  line  or  moye  be- 
tween them.  The  bony  process  contained  in  the  claspers,  is 
four  inches  long,  and  half  an  inch  deep  at  the  posterior  extrem- 
ity. The  outer  margin  is  festooned,  and  naked,  about  two 
lines  of  its  depth  ;  the  inner  half  of  the  width,  is  covered  with 
corrugated  flesh. 


FAMILY. 
SUCTORII. 

PETROMYZON.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Body  smooth,  elongated,  cylindrical, 
like  that  of  an  eel;  the  head,  rounded]  the  mouth  circular, 
armed  ivith  hard  tooth-like  processes  ;  the  Up  forming  a  con- 
tinuous circle  round  the  mouth  ;  seven  apertures  on  each  side 
of  the  neck,  leading  to  seven  branchial  cells  ;  no  pectoral  or 
ventral  fins ;  the  skin  towards  the  tail  extending  in  a  fold 
from  the  body  both  above  and  below,  forms  dorsal,  anal,  and 
caudal  fins. 

P.     America nus.     Le  Sueur.       The  American  Lamprey. 
Trans,  of  Amer.  Phil.  Soc.  new  series,  vol.  i,  p.  382. 

This  species,  which  is  far  from  being  common  in  our  Bay? 


196  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

is  taken  in  deep  water  attached  to  pieces  of  drift  wood,  and  the 
bottoms  of  boats  and  vessels.  In  its  spawning  season,  it  as- 
cends the  numerous  rivers.  It  is  taken  in  large  quantities  in 
the  Merrimack  river,  at  Lowell.  Dr.  Elisha  Bartlett  writes  me 
that  "  they  ascend  the  rivers  a  little  earlier  than  the  shad,  and 
move  mostly  in  the  night.  It  is  not  known,  by  the  fishermen, 
when  they  return,  as  they  are  never  seen.  There  is  a  notion 
that  they  all  die.  They  are  often  seen,  in  the  summer,  in 
pairs,  at  work  together,  constructing  a  little  mound  of  stones. 
They  build  this  about  three  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base,  and 
about  two  feet  high,  of  stones  from  the  size  of  an  ounce  bullet 
to  that  of  the  fist.  They  often  aid  each  other  in  carrying  the 
same  stone.  This  is  pretty  evidently  a  labor  of  love,  as  they 
copulate  once  in  five  minutes,  or  so,  during  the  whole  time. 
The  young  go  down  the  river,  when  the  water  begins  to 
freeze.  They  are  then  from  six  to  eight  inches  long." 

It  occasionally  attains  the  weight  of  four  pounds.  From 
a  beautiful  specimen  27  inches  in  length,  brought  me  by  Capt. 
Samuel  Andrews  of  Charlestown,  the  following  description  is 
drawn  up : 

Co]or,  olive  brown  ;  all  the  upper  portion  of  the  body,  mot- 
tled with  dark  brown,  almost  black,  confluent  patches  ;  be- 
neath, of  an  uniform  dull  olive.  Anterior  portion  of  the  body, 
cylindrical ;  posterior,  compressed.  A  slight  keel  upon  the 
back.  Head  rounded,  somewhat  flattened  on  the  upper  por- 
tion in  front  of  the  eyes.  Eyes,  moderate  in  size  ;  pupils, 
black  ;  irides,  golden.  Distance  of  the  eyes  from  the  snout, 
two  inches.  A  tubular  orifice  is  seen  in  front  of,  between 
the  eyes,  a  line  in  its  longest  diameter.  Seven  large  branchial 
apertures  back  of  each  eye,  passing  backward  in  nearly  a 
straight  line  ;  the  first,  smallest.  When  this  species  is  unat- 
tached, the  mouth  is  a  longitudinal  fissure.  When  attached, 
it  is  circular,  the  lip  forming  a  ring ;  within,  furnished  with 
hard,  horny  teeth,  of  a  yellow  color.  Teeth  on  the  roof,  larger 
than  those  upon  the  sides  of  the  mouth  ;  lower  margin  of  the 
mouth  furnished  with  a  semicircular  row  of  compact  teeth  ; 
teeth  on  the  lip,  small  ;  mucous  pores  obvious  in  front  of  the 


/••  .••• 

FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  197 

eyes,  passing  towards  the  snout,  and  almost  back  of  the  eyes. 
Two  dorsal  fins  ;  the  first,  commencing  back  of  the  middle  of 
the  body,  three  inches  long,  nine  inches  high.  Between 
this  and  the  second  dorsal,  one  inch.  Second  dorsal,  six  inches 
long  ;  more  than  an  inch  high,  in  its  highest  part.  Anal  fin,  a 
mere  fringe.  Caudal  fin,  appears  like  the  extremity  of  the 
solid  portion  of  the  body,  very  much  compressed. 


P.     nigricans.     Le  Sueur.      The  bluish  Lamprey. 
Trans,  of  Amer.  Phil.  Soc.  new  series,  vol.  i.  p.  385. 

This  species  is  generally  found  attached  to  other  species  of 
fishes  ;  it  is  frequently  affixed  to  mackerel;  less  often  to  cod  ; 
and  the  three  specimens  I  have  met  with,  were  taken  adhering 
to  haddock.  From  the  largest  of  these,  seven  inches  in  length, 
the  following  description  is  made :  Upper  part  of  the  body, 
of  a  deep  blue  color ;  beneath,  bluish  white.  Anterior  third  of 
the  body,  cylindrical ;  back  of  this,,  compressed  j  very  much 
so  towards  the  tail.  Head  oval,  flattened  on  the  top ;  length 
of  the  head,  from  the  snout  to  the  posterior  angle  of  the  eye, 
to  the  length  of  the  fish,  less  than  one  seventh.  Seven  bran- 
chial orifices,  running  obliquely  backwards  and  downwards 
from  the  eyes.  Mouth,  circular ;  half  an  inch  in  diameter  j 
surrounded  by  a  fleshy  margin ;  armed  within,  with  numerous 
incurved  teeth,  or  horny  spines,  projecting  from  widened  bases, 
resembling  the  spines  with  which  the  Raiae  are  armed. 
There  are  three  teeth  in  the  throat ;  two  higher  up  than  the 
third,  which  is  in  front  of  and  between  the  others.  In  the 
general  appearance  of  the  teeth,  there  is  great  resemblance  be- 
tween those  of  this  species  and  the  preceding.  Eyes  moderate 
in  size  ;  pupils  black ;  irides  silvery.  Between  the  eyes,  on 
the  top  of  the  head,  a  small  white  spot ;  in  front  of  this  spot,  a 
spiracle. 

The  first  Dorsal  fin  commences  back  of  the  middle  of  the 
fish  j  its  posterior  portion  is  rounded  ;  its  height  to  its  length, 


198  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

as  2  to  8.  The  distance  between  the  dorsals,  is  equal  to  half 
the  length  of  the  first  dorsal. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  considerably  higher  than  the  first ;  be- 
fore reaching  the  caudal  fin,  to  which  it  is  continued,  it  is 
depressed. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  a  simple  membrane,  triangular  at  its  ter- 
mination, and  uniting  with  the  anal  fin,  which  is  very  small. 
Anus  small. 

Le  Sueur  dwells  upon  the  "  white  dorsal  fins  ;"  his  speci- 
men was  six  inches  long.  My  three  specimens,  one,  five 
inches,  a  second,  six  inches  in  length,  have  both  dorsals  per- 
fectly white  ;  in  the  specimen  just  described,  seven  inches 
long,  the  margin  of  the  second  dorsal  is  of  the  same  color  as 
the  back  of  the  fish. 


AMMOCOETES.     Dumer. 

Generic  characters.  Form  of  the  body,  the  branchial  aper- 
tures and  fins,  like  those  of  the  Lampreys  ;  upper  lip  semicir- 
cular, with  a  straight,  transverse  under  lip  ;  mouth  without 
teeth,  but  furnished  with  numerous  short  membranous  cirrhi. 

A.     bicolor.     The  Mud  Lamprey. 
Trans,  of  Amer.  Phil.  Soc.  new  series,  vol.  i.  p.  386. 

I  have  never  been  able  to  procure  this  species,  and  therefore 
extract  Le  Sueur's  description,  drawn  up  from  a  specimen  sent 
him  from  Northampton,  by  Dr.  Hunt,  which  was  taken  in  the 
Connecticut  river : 

"  Dorsal  fins  low,  separated  ;  the  second  united  with  the 
caudal  fin,  which  is  rounded  ;  back  and  sides,  reddish  ;  abdo- 
men white  ;  the  color  separated  by  an  undulating  line.  Ante- 
rior part  of  the  body  subcylindric,  posterior  part  compressed, 
and  tapering  to  the  tail ;  nape  of  the  neck  elevated ;  head  de- 
clivous, prolonged  into  a  snout  furnished  with  a  lip  having 
two  short  rounded  lobes;  these  lobes,  when  the  mouth  is 


FISHES  OF   MASSACHUSRTTS.  199 

closed,  embrace  and  conceal  the  lower  lip  which  is  very  short ; 
the  nostrils  are  small,  and  placed  in  the  centre  of  a  white  oval, 
pellucid  disk,  easily  moveable ;  on  the  inside  of  the  upper  lip, 
there  are  small  granules,  and  at  the  opening  of  the  throat  small 
ramified  papillae ;  the  branchial  apertures  are  placed  in  a  lon- 
gitudinal depression,  oblique  and  a  little  curved,  the  first  aper- 
ture is  above  the  angle  of  the  mouth  ;  on  each  side  of  the 
head  there  is  a  whitish  spot,  which  should  seem  to  indicate 
the  position  of  the  eyes,  that  this  species  is  deficient  of,  in  com- 
mon with  the  "  P.  ruber"*  of  Europe.  The  annular  or  ribbed 
appearance  of  the  sides  of  this  fish  is  owing  to  the  muscles, 
which  are  endued  with  great  strength,  in  order  to  enable  it  to 
burrow  in  the  muddy  sands  of  rivers,  where  it  penetrates  in  a 
serpentine  manner,  by  means  of  its  snout,  the  large  lip  of 
which  performs  the  functions  of  a  terrier.  The  European 
species  is  generally  taken,  when  the  small  rivers  are  cleansed 
of  the  superabundant  sand  and  mud  which  obstruct  their 
channels.  This  last  is  much  sought  after  for  food ;  but  the 
American  species  is  commonly  rejected,  as  is  almost  every 
animal  that  either  has  a  real  or  fancied  resemblance  to  a  snake. 
This  fish  is  used  for  bait." 


Besides  the  species  above  described,  several  others  are  known 
to  be  found  in  our  waters,  but  they  have  not  been  described, 
and  I  have  not  met  with  them  myself.  I  shall  but  cursorily 
notice  them. 

A  second  species  of  "  Pomotis" — Pond  perch,  is  occasion- 
ally taken  in  the  neighboring  ponds,  with  the  "  vulgaris." 

Another  species  of  "Esox" — Pike,  is  taken  with  the  "  re- 
ticulatus,"  it  differs  from  that  fish,  in  being  transversely  barred. 
It  is  rarely  brought  to  our  market.  My  friend,  Dr.  Holbrook, 
of  Charleston,  a  very  accurate  naturalist,  tells  me  he  has 
frequently  caught  it  at  Wrentham. 

*  "  Lampetra  caeca  ;  Willughby,  p.  107,  c.  3,  fig.  1.     Pet.  rouge;  La  Cepede,  tomeii. 
page  100." 


200  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

A  species  of  "Exocetus"  is  sometimes  taken  upon  our 
coast ;  this  may  prove  to  be  one  of  the  species,  described  by 
Le  Sueur,  in  the  second  volume  of  the  "  Journal  of  the  Acad- 
emy of  Natural  Sciences." 

Another  species  of  "  Salmo" — Trout,  is,  I  am  satisfied,  from 
the  representations  of  correspondents  and  fishermen,  found  in 
our  state.  I  have  repeatedly  seen  a  splendid  large  trout  from 
Winnipiseogee  Lake  in  New  Hampshire,  and  two  beautiful 
species  at  least,  from  Sebago  Pond  in  Maine,  in  our  market  ; 
but  have  met  myself  with  but  one  species  taken  in  our  waters. 

A  larger  "Eel "  than  the  species  I  have  described,  is  found 
at  Holmes  Hole.  Dr.  Yale  writes  me  that  "  a  Sea  eel,  weigh- 
ing from  twelve  to  fifteen  pounds,  is  not  unfrequently  taken 
about  Nomari's  Land,  by  the  fishermen,  and  is  considered  good 
eating."  He  has  seen  but  one  specimen,  and  that  was  taken 
some  years  ago  in  the  Vineyard  sound. 

Dr.  Yale  tells  me  that  a  species  of  "  Zygoena" — Hammer- 
headed  shark,  is  common  at  Holmes  Hole. 

A  species  of  "  Trygon"  is  met  with  also,  at  Holmes  Hole. 
Thus  Dr.  Yale  writes  me,  "  I  have  seen  frequently  in  this 
harbor  and  have  assisted  in  taking  them,  but  owing  to  their 
poisonous  nature  when  wounded  by  their  sting,  we  have  been 
rather  cautious  about  taking  them  into  the  boats  ;  so  that  we 
seldom  see  one  on  shore.  One  or  two  individuals  in  this  vi- 
cinity have  come  well  nigh  losing  their  lives  by  a  wound  from 
them.  In  July  and  August  they  are  abundant  on  the  flats  in 
the  harbor  here."  In  the  first  volume  of  the  "  Journal  of  the 
Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,"  Le  Sueur  describes  three 
species  of  "  Raia"  one  found  at  Newport,  R.  I.,  and  two  at 
Egg  Harbor,  N.  J.  These  all  evidently  belong  to  the  genus 
"  Trygon"  Adans ;  and  as  the  species  belonging  to  this 
genus  are  commonly  called  "Sting  rays"  this  species  spoken 
of  by  Dr.  Yale,  is  much  more  likely  to  be  one  of  these,  found 
in  neighboring  waters,  than  one  known  to  exist  at  a  distance 
of  thousands  of  miles  ;  therefore  I  shall  not  allow  the  "pasti- 
naca" — the  European  species — is  our  fish,  until  some  natural- 
ist may  have  settled  the  matter  satisfactorily. 


FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  201 

Another  species  of  "  Raia"  is  common  in  our  waters.  It  is 
known  among  fishermen,  as  the  Thornback.  Several  years 
since,  I  had  an  opportunity  of  examining  one,  which,  at  the 
time,  I  supposed  to  be  the  "  radiata"  of  Don.  This  specimen 
was  two  feet  in  length,  and  twenty  inches  across  the  pectorals ; 
and  in  its  stomach,  I  found  the  head  of  a  menhaden,  measuring 
three  inches  in  length.  The  fisherman  who  brought  it  to  me, 
assured  me  he  had  caught  specimens  very  much  larger  than 
this.  This  species  is  undoubtedly  the  "  clavata,"  thornback, 
or  "  radiata"  Starry  ray. 

That  a  species  of  "  Torpedo"  is  found  upon  the  coast  of 
Cape  Cod,  is,  I  think,  satisfactorily  settled  by  the  following 
testimony. 

In  Whitman's  description  of  Wellfleet,  in  the  third  vol- 
ume of  the  "  Massachusetts  Historical  Collections,"  he  says, 
"  cramp  fish  have  been  caught  on  our  shores."  In  a  descrip- 
tion of  Truro,  in  the  same  volume,  we  read,  "  the  cramp  fish 
has  sometimes  been  seen  on  the  beach."  "  This  fish,  which 
resembles  a  sting  ray  in  size  and  form,  possesses  the  property 
of  the  torpedo,  being  capable  of  giving  a  distinct  electrical 
shock."  Dr.  Davis  writes  me  from  South  Wellfleet,  under 
date  of  Oct.  24,  1837  :  "  Cramp  fish  are  occasionally  seen  upon 
our  shores."  Mr.  E.  Freeman,  fishmonger  in  Q,uincy  market, 
tells  me  that  forty  years  ago,  two  or  three  specimens  of  this 
fish  were  frequently  found  dead  upon  the  beaches  at  Wellfleet 
in  a  single  day,  also  at  Griffin's  Island,  near  Wellfleet.  They 
were  taken  for  their  livers,  which  are  thought  beneficial  in 
cases  of  cramp.  He  has  not,  however,  heard  of  any  one  having 
been  taken  for  several  years  past.  Mr.  Covell  also  informs  me 
that  he  has  repeatedly  seen  them,  and  been  electrified  by  them 
at  Wellfleet ;  but  has  not  met  with  one  for  ten  or  twelve  years. 
Mr.  Newcomb,  sen.,  relates  an  anecdote,  which  proves  the  elec- 
trical power  of  this  fish  beyond  a  doubt.  His  father,  who 
resided  at  Wellfleet,  had  a  dog  which  frequently  waded  into 
the  shallow  water  of  the  coves,  and  brought  out  flounders, 
which  he  had  seized  with  his  mouth.  In  one  of  his  fishing  ex- 
cursions, he  attacked  a  torpedo,  which  perfectly  convulsed  him  ; 
26 


202  FISHES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

he  dropped  the  fish,  and  ran  away  howling  most  piteously,  and 
could  never  afterward  he  persuaded  to  resume  his  fishing. 
The  last  three  gentlemen  I  have  had  occasion  to  refer  to  he- 
fore.  They  are  men  of  unimpeachable  veracity,  and  I  take 
great  pleasure  in  acknowledging  my  obligations  to  them. 

These  are  all  the  species  found  in  our  waters,  of  which  I 
have  any  knowledge.  Many  of  the  species,  however,  described 
by  Le  Sueur,  as  found  on  the  coast  of  Rhode  Island  ;  and  by 
Mitchell,  as  inhabitants  of  the  waters  of  New  York,  will  un- 
doubtedly be  discovered  in  and  about  Buzzard's  Bay.  And 
even  in  the  cold  waters  north  of  "the  Cape,"  rich  acquisitions 
may  reasonably  be  expected  by  the  ichthyologist,  who  has  the 
leisure  and  the  zeal  for  minute  and  accurate  observation. 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


• 


To  GEORGE  B.  EMERSON,  ESQ. 

My  Dear  Sir : 

MOST  reluctantly  do  I  offer  you  the  accompanying  Report  upon  the 
Reptiles  of  Massachusetts.  Having  devoted  the  greater  part  of  the 
leisure  time  I  could  claim,  since  the  commencement  of  my  duties  as  a 
Zoological  Commissioner,  to  an  investigation  of  our  Fishes,  as  being 
the  more  extended  and  far  more  important  branch,  I  have,  without 
neglecting  any  opportunity  which  could  be  presented  by  friends 
and  correspondents,  been  unable  to  give  our  reptiles  that  careful  at- 
tention and  study,  which  can  alone  satisfy  the  searcher  after  facts. 
Descriptions  of  every  species  of  reptile  of  which  I  have  any  knowledge 
in  the  State,  having  however  been  prepared  as  they  were  received, 
although  with  very  different  degrees  of  diffuseness,  I  now  collect  to- 
gether and  present  them,  conscious  that,  knowing  the  untoward  cir- 
cumstances under  which  I  have  labored,  my  scientific  friends,  at  least, 
will  overlook  many  imperfections. 

The  catalogue  of  our  reptiles  contained  in  Professor  Hitchcock's 
Survey,  prepared  by  Dr.  Smith,  of  Sutton,  contains  most  of  our  spe- 
cies, and  was  evidently  drawn  up  with  care ;  but  as  he  has  given  no 
descriptions  by  which  we  may  judge  of  his  accuracy,  I  have  felt  at 
liberty,  when  a  species  has  been  catalogued  which  clearly  should  not 
be,  or  which  the  best  herpetologists  in  our  country,  well  acquainted 
with  the  reptiles  of  New  England,  have  never  seen  in  our  latitude,  to 
omit  it. 

Thus  we  find  catalogued  the  "  Tcstudo  scabra."  This  error  may 
have  been  produced  by  Say's  incorrectly  including  this  species  in  a 
paper  "  On  the  fresh  water  and  land  Tortoises  of  the  United  States," 
published  in  the  fourth  volume  of  the  Journal  of  the  Academy  of  Natu- 
ral Sciences.  The  species  he  considered  the  "  scabra,"  is  the  "  in- 
sculpta" 

The  "  Testudo  Pennsylvania"  is  plainly  confounded  with  the 
"  Sternothaerus  odoratus"  a  widely-distributed  species. 

The  "  Coluber  striatulus"  of  that  catalogue,  I  have  also  omitted ; 
not  merely  because  I  have  not  met  with  it  myself,  but  because  my 
friend  Dr.  Pickering,  an  accomplished  naturalist,  thoroughly  versed  in 
the  herpetology  of  New  England,  assures  me,  he  not  only  never  met 
with  it  here,  but  never  heard  of  its  having  been  found  here,  it  being 
strictly  a  southern  species. 


206  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  "  Rana  clamata"  I  have  also  erased,  because  no  one  of  my 
scientific  friends  has  ever  met  with  it ;  and  Dr.  Holbrook,  who  well 
knows  the  species,  and  has  visited  this  portion  of  the  country  repeat- 
edly of  late  years,  to  collect  materials  for  his  great  work,  says,  in  his 
third  volume,  this  species  "  is  found  in  the  low  countries  of  Carolina 
and  Georgia;  farther  north  than  this,  I  have  never  seen  it." 

The  "  Salamandra  cinerea"  is  omitted,  because  Dr.  Green,  who  first 
described  it,  as  well  as  the  "  erythronota,"  considers  them  both  one 
species. 

The  "  Salamandra  tigrina"  and  "  longicauda"  may  perhaps  both  be 
found  here ;  but  knowing  no  one  who  had  ever  seen  them  in  this  State, 
I  wrote  to  Dr.  Emmons,  upon  whose  authority  they  were  given  in  that 
catalogue,  for  information ;  he  writes  me,  that  he  thinks  he  has  seen  a 
specimen  of  each,  but  adds  :  "  I  will  not  take  the  responsibility  of  giv- 
ing these  two  species  as  citizens  of  the  Bay  State.  I  have  not  studied 
them  carefully  enough  to  be  authority." 

Having  erased  the  above  mentioned  species,  and  introduced  three 
Tortoises,  two  Colubers,  one  Heterodon,  one  Rana,  one  Hylodes,  four 
Salamanders,  and  one  Scincus,  which  were  not  noticed  in  the  cata- 
logue referred  to,  the  Herpetology  of  our  State,  as  far  as  I  have  been 
able  to  learn,  is  composed  of  fourteen  genera  and  thirty-nine  species. 
More  extended  investigation  will  undoubtedly  ascertain  the  existence 
here  of  new  species,  as  well  as  of  many  which  have  been  already  de- 
scribed by  naturalists. 

Meager  though  this  Report  may  be  considered,  friends  have  kindly 
tendered  their  aid  in  its  preparation,  and  I  would  express  to  them  my 
thanks.  To  the  following  gentlemen  I  am  particularly  indebted : 

To  Mr.  Alonzo  Gray,  of  Andover,  for  numerous  living  specimens  of 
Tortoises,  Colubers  and  Salamanders : 

To  Professor  C.  B.  Adams,  of  Middlebury  College,  Vt.,  for  many 
beautiful  living  specimens,  and  much  valuable  information  respecting 
them; 

To  Amos  Binney,  M.  D.  of  Boston,  for  free  access  to  his  rich  and 
very  valuable  library,  at  all  times,  whereby  I  have  been  enabled  to 
consult  volumes,  of  which  he  possessed  the  only  copies  in  this  portion 
of  the  country. 

Trusting  that  you  will  be  satisfied  that  an  effort  has  been  made  to 
perform  the  duty  required  of  me  as  accurately  and  faithfully  as  circum- 
stances would  allow,  I  remain, 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

D.  HUMPHREYS  STORER. 


REPTILES    OF    MASSACHUSETTS. 

ORDER    I. 

CHELONIA. 


EMYS.       Brogniart. 

Generic  characters.  Shell  depressed,  solid  ;  sternum  broad, 
solid,  immoveable,  firmly  joined  to  the  shell,  consisting  of 
twelve  plates,  and  four  supplemental  ones  ;  extremities  palma- 
ted,  anterior  with  five  nails,  posterior  with  four  ;  head  of  ordi- 
nary size  ;  tail  long. 

E.     guttata.     Schneider. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol  iii.  pt.  1.  p.  47,  et  fig. 
Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.  vol.  iii.  p.  117. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  151. 
Dum.  et  Bibron,  Hist.  Nat.  Jes  Kept.  torn.  ii.  p.  295. 
N.  A.  Herp.  vol.  ii.  p.  25,  et  fig. 

This,  our  most  common  species  of  tortoise,  is  found  in  small 
streams  and  clear  water  throughout  the  State,  oftentimes  in  great 
numbers  ;  a  very  concise  description  only  is  therefore  offered : 

The  upper  shell  is  black,  sprinkled  over  its  whole  surface 
with  more  or  less  distant,  roundish,  bright  yellow  spots.  In 
some  specimens,  eight  or  ten  quite  small  spots  may  be  seen 
crowded  upon  a  single  plate  ;  while  in  others,  several  of  the 
plates,  particularly  those  on  the  dorsum,  exhibit  but  one  spot 
each,  brighter  colored  and  larger  than  those  just  referred  to. 


208  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  sternal  plates  are  yellowish,  with  large  black  blotches, 
or  black  with  yellowish  blotches,  or  uniformly  black.  Some- 
times the  plates  of  the  sternum  are  perfectly  smooth,  at  other 
times  marked  with  concentric  striae.  The  top  of  the  head, 
and  upper  part  of  the  legs,  black  with  yellow  spots. 

It  feeds  upon  insects,  worms  and  frogs. 


E.     picta.     Schneider.       The  painted  Tortoise, 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  1.  p.  45,  et  fig. 
Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.  vol.  iii.  p.  115. 
Harl.  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  151. 
Dum.  et  Bibr.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Kept.  torn.  ii.  p.  297. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  vol.  ii.  p.  19,  et  fig. 

Next  to  the  "  guttata"  this  is  the  most  generally  distributed 
species.  It  is  usually  found  with  the  preceding,  and  is  a  very 
easily  recognised  species.  A  specimen  five  inches  in  length, 
serves  for  the  following  description  : 

Body  above,  compressed  ;  upper  shell,  greenish  brown,  with 
the  edges  of  the  dorsal  and  lateral  plates  margined  with  yel- 
low. A  very  narrow  dorsal  yellow  line  passes  from  the  ante- 
rior to  the  posterior  marginal  plate ;  the  marginal  plates  are 
darker  colored  than  the  other  plates  of  the  upper  shell,  having 
in  their  centre  a  bright  red  blotch,  which  is  much  larger  upon 
the  inferior  side  ;  and  over  this  blotcty,  one  or  two  red  mark- 
ings, which  are  concentric  upon  the  plates  not  attached  to  the 
sternum,  and  nearly  straight  upon  the  four  plates  which  are 
thus  attached  ;  the  red  color  predominates  upon  the  under  side 
of  the  marginal  plates. 

First  dorsal  plate  quadrangular  :  second  and  fourth,  hexago- 
nal ;  third,  quadrangular  ;  fifth,  heptagonal. 

Sternal  plates  yellow,  with  a  triangular  ribbon  upon  the  an- 
terior portion,  and  a  straight  one  upon  the  middle  and  posterior 
portions,  of  a  brighter  tint. 

Back  of  the  head,  dark  brown  ;  directly  back  of  the  eyes,  a 
broad  yellow  band ;  a  narrower  band  of  the  same  color  runs 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  209 

also  back,  from  the  middle  of  the  eye.  From  the  tip  of  the 
snout,  a  narrow  yellow  line  runs  to  each  eye ;  from  the  side  of 
the  mouth  also,  two  lines  pass  to  the  middle  of  the  eye,  and 
two  from  the  lower  edge  of  the  jaw.  From  the  extremity  of 
the  lower  jaw,  two  larger  bands  run  backwards  ;  the  first 
passes  slightly  down,  then  outwardly  to  the  angle  of  the  lower 
jaw,  whence  it  is  continued  by  a  broad  bright  yellow  band ; 
within  this,  from  the  middle  of  the  lower  jaw,  a  narrower  band 
of  the  same  color  passes  back  parallel  with  this  ;  and  from  the 
tip  of  the  chin  a  band  runs  down  a  short  distance,  and  then 
bifurcates  into  broader  bands.  These  yellow  lines  upon  the 
head  become  red  upon  the  neck,  and  are  continued  on  to  the 
shoulders  of  this  color.  Two  large  yellow  spots  upon  the 
occiput.  Eyes  small ;  pupils,  a  deep  black  ;  irides  golden  ;  a  dark 
line  running  through  their  centre.  Fore  legs  black,  a  red  band 
passing  through  their  centres ;  and  the  commencement  of  a 
second,  on  a  line  with  the  base  of  the  previous  one ;  phalanges 
marked  with  red  lines.  Hind  feet,  dark  brown,  above  ;  be- 
neath, lighter,  with  a  red  band  on  each  side.  Tail  of  moderate 
length,  with  two  narrow  longitudinal  yellow  bands  uniting  at 
the  posterior  extremity ;  beneath,  marked  by  the  narrow  red 
lines  of  the  legs  continued,  which  unite  at  the  posterior  portion, 
forming  a  single  red  band. 

Its  food  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  previous  species. 


E.     insculpta.     Le  Conte.      The  wood  Tortoise. 

Ann.  Lye.  N.  Y.  vol.  iii.  p.  112. 

Harlan's  Med.  and  Pbys.  Res.  p.  152. 

Dum.  et  Bibr.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Kept.  torn.  ii.  p.  251. 

Specimens  of  this,  our  most  beautiful  tortoise,  I  have  re- 
ceived from  Walpole,  Concord,  Amherst  and  Andover,  and 
learn  that  it  is  not  uncommon  in  the  ponds  of  several  other 
portions  of  the  State.  This  species  wanders  a  great  distance 
from,  and  remains  a  long  time  out  of  the  water  ;  and  being 
oftentimes  found  in  woods  and  pastures,  has  received  the  com- 
27 


210  REPTILES   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 


mon  name  of  wood  tortoise.  Its  usual  length  is  from  six  to 
eight  inches.  The  upper  shell  is  composed  of  five  dorsal,  eight 
lateral,  and  twenty-five  marginal  plates ;  these  plates  are  of  a 
greenish  brown  color,  strongly  marked  with  concentric  and 
radiating  striae.  A  dorsal  ridge  is  formed  by  the  convex  por- 
tion of  the  superior  plates.  Sternum  composed  of  twelve  yel- 
low plates,  having  upon  their  posterior  lateral  margins,  a  large 
black  spot.  All  the  under  portion  of  the  legs,  neck  and  tail, 
is  red. 

Young  specimens  exhibit  a  very  rough  upper  shell,  produced 
by  the  prolongations  of  the  posterior  angles  of  the  plates. 

This  species  was  erroneously  considered  by  Say,  as  synony- 
mous with  the  "  scabra,"  Lin.  j  and  as  such,  he  catalogued  iuhe 
4th  Vol.  J.  A.  N.  S. 


STERNOTHAERUS.      Bell. 

Generic  characters.  Head  sulquadr  angular,  pyramidal, 
covered  in  front  with  a  single  plate;  warts  on  the  chin  ;  mar- 
ginal plates,  twenty-three ;  sternum  cruciform,  bivalve,  ante- 
rior valve  only  moveable  ;  supplemental  plates  contiguous,  plac- 
ed on  the  sterno-costal  suture ;  anterior  extremity  with  jive 
nails,  posterior  with  four. 

S.     odoratus.      The  mud  Tortoise. 

Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.  vol.  iii.  p.  122. 
Harl.  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  15G. 
Dum.  et  Bibr.  Hist  Nat.  des  Kept.  torn.  ii.  p.  358. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  v.  iii.  p.  29,  et  fig. 

Shell  oblong,  convex,  somewhat  carinated  on  the  dorsal 
ridge ;  of  a  brownish  color,  irregularly  blotched  with  darker 
spots. 

The  first  vertebral  plate  is  triangular,  the  next  three  hexa- 
gonal, the  last  pentagonal.  There  are  four  lateral  plates  ;  the 
first  of  which  is  quadrangular,  the  remainder  are  pentagonal. 
The  marginal  plates,  twenty-three  in  number,  are  small,  gen- 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  211 

erally  elongated,  forming  a  margin  ;  the  posterior  plates  largest, 
arid  appearing  as  if  they  were  a  continuation  of  the  last  verte- 
bral plate. 

Sternum  small,  composed  of  nine  yellowish  brown  plates  ;  it 
is  divided  into  three  portions  by  two  ligamentous  hinges ;  the 
anterior,  composed  of  three  plates,  is  quite  moveable  upon  the 
second  division;  the  third  portion,  of  four  plates,  the  posterior 
of  which  are  emarginated.  and  have  their  posterior  angles 
acute,  although  united  to  the  second  division  of  the  sternum, 
consisting  of  the  two  large  abdominal  plates,  by  a  similar  hinge 
with  the  first,  is  scarcely  moveable. 

Head  pointed,  flattened  above  ;  snout,  truncated.  Eyes  mod- 
erate in  size  ;  pupils  black,  irides  golden.  Nostrils  large  at  the 
extremity  of  the  snout.  Top  of  the  head  nearly  black.  A 
narrow  yellow  line  passes  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  backwards 
over  each  eye,  and  is  lost  upon  the  neck  ;  a  second  line  of  the 
same  color,  larger  and  much  brighter,  is  continued  backward 
beneath  the  eyes  to  the  neck.  A  broad  yellow  band  is  also 
observed  upon  each  side  of  the  chin,  exhibiting  a  striking  con- 
trast with  the  dark  brown  color  of  the  jaws.  Skin  of  the  neck, 
throat  and  legs,  ash  colored.  Neck,  covered  with  granulations. 
Several  yellowish  warts  or  cirrhi  upon  the  throat.  Legs  and 
feet  slightly  granulated  ;  upon  the  anterior  legs,  three  large 
scaly  plates  ;  at  the  base  of  the  feet  several  smaller  scales  of  a 
similar  character  ;  these  scales  do  not  exist  upon  the  legs  of 
the  posterior  extremities,  although  they  do  upon  the  feet. 
Toes  palmated  ;  fore  feet  with  five  toes,  and  five  claws  ;  pos- 
terior, five  toed,  with  four  claws.  Tail  short,  with  several 
rows  of  pointed  warts. 

The  specimen  from  which  I  have  drawn  the  above  descrip- 
tion, is  three  inches  and  a  half  long,  one  inch  and  a  half  high. 
Of  six  specimens  lying  before  me,  five  do  net  vary  a  line  in 
length.  The  sixth,  which  is  considerably  younger,  is  less 
than  three  inches  in  length  ;  has  a  more  marked  dorsal  ridge 
than  either  of  the  others,  and  the  blotches  are  more 
numerous. 


212  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

This  species  has  a  very  disgusting  odor,  and  is  hence  some- 
times called  stink-pot. 

It  is  found  burying  itself  in  the  mud  in  ditches  and  small 
ponds,  frequently  covered  with  a  thick  coat  of  foreign  matter, 
from  which  circumstance  it  has  received  the  common  name  of 
mud  tortoise. 

A  single  specimen  of  this  species  was  found  in  Fresh  Pond 
in  Cambridge  by  J.  W.  Randall,  M.  D.  ;  one  specimen  was 
taken  at  Amherst,  and  several  at  Falmouth  by  Professor  C.  B. 
Adams  ;  and  Mr.  Erastus  H.  Clap  has  brought  me  one  from 
Walpole. 


EMYSAURUS.     Dumeril. 

Generic  characters.  Head  large,  covered  with  small  plates  ; 
snout  short ;  jaws  hooked ;  two  warts  beneath  the  chin;  ster- 
num immovcable,  cruciform,  composed  of  ten  plates  ;  three 
stcrno-costal  plates  ;  fore  feet  with  five  claws,  hind  feet  with 
four  ;  tail  long,  surmounted  with  a  scaly  crest. 

E.     serpentina.     Lin.       The  snake  Tortoise. 

Shaw's  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  1.  p.  72,  etfig. 

Ann.  Lye.  N.  Y.  vol.  iii.  p.  128. 

Dum.  et  Bibr.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Kept.  vol.  ii.  p.  350. 

This  is  the  largest  tortoise  found  within  the  borders  of  our 
State  ;  sometimes  weighing  from  15  to  20  pounds.  It  is  ex- 
ceedingly powerful  and  voracious,  feeding  upon  fishes  and 
frogs ;  and  the  farmers  sometimes  complain  of  its  depredations 
among  their  chickens  and  ducklings.  From  its  habit  of  snap- 
ping suddenly  at  almost  every  thing  offered  it,  it  is  generally 
known  by  the  name  of  the  "  snapping  tortoise,"  in  New  Eng- 
land, while  its  crested  tail,  resembling  the  Crocodilus  lucius,  gives 
it  the  distinction  at  the  South,  of  "  alligator  tortoise."  It  is 
usually  found  in  filthy  water,  and  is  occasionally  met  with  at 
considerable  distance  from  any  pond  or  pool,  dragging  itself 
leisurely  along. 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  213 

The  flesh  of  this  species  is  often  used  as  food,  and  when 
made  into  a  soup  is  considered  by  many  as  quite  a  delicacy. 
The  oil  obtained  from  this  species  is  carefully  preserved  in 
many  portions  of  the  interior  of  the  State,  for  its  supposed  vir- 
tues in  bruises,  sprains,  &c.  when  externally  applied. 

The  upper  shell  is  of  a  dark  brown  color,  oval,  compressed 
above,  composed  of  five  vertebral,  eight  lateral,  and  twenty- 
five  marginal  plates,  which  are  marked  by  radiating  and  con- 
centric strias.  A  dorsal  ridge  is  produced  by  the  prominent 
posterior  angles  of  the  vertebral  plates  ;  the  projections  of  the 
posterior  superior  angles  of  the  lateral  plates  also  form,  in  some 
specimens,  indistinct  carinee.  The  anterior  marginal  plates 
are  narrow  and  oblong  ;  the  fifth,  sixth  and  seventh  are  much 
wider,  while  the  posterior  three  plates  are  marked  with  strong, 
concentric  striae,  and  the  posterior  angles  form  strong  spinous 
points.  The  sternum  is  yellow,  narrow,  lozenge-shaped,  com- 
posed of  ten  plates,  and  united  to  the  marginal  plates  by  a  long 
narrow  plate,  having  two  smaller  plates  at  its  outer  extremity. 
The  head  is  very  large,  scaly  above  ;  eyes  large  ;  jaws  power- 
ful, hooked ;  beneath  the  chin,  two  warts ;  neck  above,  cover- 
ed with  warts  or  small  fleshy  cirrhi ;  beneath,  granulated. 
The  legs  are  large  and  strong  ;  the  fore  legs  are  armed  above 
with  large  scales,  feet  with  five  claws ;  hind  legs  with  large 
scales  beneath,  feet  with  four  claws.  Tail,  two  thirds  the 
length  of  the  body;  round  at  its  base,  compressed  at  the 
sides,  tapering  to  a  point ;  armed  above  by  a  ridge  of  strong 
pointed  spines,  diminishing  towards  the  posterior  extremity. 

The  largest  living  specimen  1  have  seen,  was  taken  at 
Marshfield ;  its  dimensions  were  as  follows  :  Entire  length, 
44  inches,  viz.  length  of  the  shell,  18  inches;  length  of  the 
head  and  neck,  when  extended,  11  inches  ;  length  of  the  tail, 
15  inches.  Width  of  the  shell,  15  inches  ;  width  across  the 
head,  4  inches. 


214  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

CISTUDA.     Fleming. 

Generic  characters.  Shell  gibbous,  strong  ;  marginal-plates 
twenty-jive;  sternum  oval,  covered  with  twelve  plates,  bivalve, 
both  valves  moveable  on  the  same  axis,  and  joined  to  each  other 
and  to  the  shell  by  ligamento-clastic  tissue  ;  anterior  extremi- 
ties with  five,  posterior  with  four  nails. 

C.     Carolina.     Edwards.       Ths  Box  Tortoise. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  1.  p.  36,  et  fig. 

Ann.  Lye.  N.  Y.  vol.  iii.  p.  124. 

Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  149. 

Dum.  et  Kibr.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Kept.  torn.  ii.  p.  210. 

Bell,  monog.  Test. 

I  have  received  living  specimens  of  this  species  through  the 
kindness  of  friends  from  Barnstable,  Amherst,  New  Bedford, 
Holmes  Hole,  and  Walpole  ;  and  although  at  neither  of  these 
.places  is  it  common,  yet  their  distances  from  each  other  shows 
that  it  is  pretty  widely  distributed  throughout  the  State.  This 
is  a  land  species,  being  found  in  dry  and  arid  situations,  and 
can  live  but  a  short  time  in  the  water.  From  the  circumstance 
of  the  sternum  being  divided  into  two  portions,  the  anterior  of 
which  is  moveable,  enabling  the  animal  when  disturbed,  to 
encase  itself  entirely  within  its  shell,  the  species  is  generally 
known  under  the  name  of  "  box  tortoise."  Several  varieties 
have  been  made  by  naturalists  dependent  upon  the  difference 
of  their  markings. 

A  beautiful  living  specimen  before  me  exhibits  the  following 
characteristics : 

Length  of  the  specimen,  six  inches.  Shell  round,  gibbous, 
carinated.  Sternum  bivalvular.  The  plates  of  the  upper  shell 
are  of  a  dark  brown  color,  sculptured  with  radiating  and  con- 
centric stria?,  and  covered  over  their  entire  surface  with  bright 
yellow  spots,  varying  in  their  size,  form,  and  manner  of  distri- 
bution, frequently  confluent.  A  great  portion  of  each  mar- 
ginal plate  is  occupied  by  a  yellow  blotch.  The  first  and  fifth 
vertebral  plates,  are  pentagonal ;  the  second,  third  and  fourth 


REPTILES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  215 

are  hexagonal.  Of  the  lateral  plates,  the  posterior  are  the 
smaller.  The  sharp  edges  of  the  seventh,  eighth,  ninth  and 
tenth  marginal  plates,  which  are  the  largest,  project  outwardly, 
forming  a  keel.  The  sternum  is  divided  unequally,  the  anterior 
portion  the  smaller  ;  it  is  of  a  very  dark  brown  color,  with  dull 
yellow  blotches.  The  anterior  plates  of  the  sternum  are  trian- 
gular ;  the  middle,  oblong  ;  the  posterior,  triangular.  These 
plates  likewise  exhibit  concentric  striag.  Head  above,  black, 
reticulated  with  yellow  ;  the  upper  jaw  of  a  dull  white  color, 
with  black  lines  passing  from  the  eye  to  its  margin.  Throat 
white,  vith  dark  spots  ;  flesh  on  the  sides  of  the  neck  of  a 
dull  horn  color,  varied  with  red  and  brown.  The  upper  jaw 
has  a  large  hook-like  process  at  its  extremity  ;  the  lower  jaw, 
a  sharp  point.  Pupil  of  the  eye,  black  ;  irides  red.  The  fore 
legs  are  covered  with  large  scales  of  an  orange  color,  tipped 
with  dark  brown ;  posterior  legs  of  an  uniform  dark  brown 
color. 

The  principal  food  of  this  species  is  insects. 


C.     Blandingii.     Holbrook.     Blanding^s  cistuda. 
N.  A.  Herpetol.  vol.  iii.  p.  35  et  fig. 

By  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Edward  Appleton  I  have  received 
from  Haverhill  a  fine  living  specimen  of  this  rare  species.  It 
presents  the  following  appearance  :  Length  of  the  specimen 
7£  inches ;  breadth  of  the  shell  5  inches  ;  length  of  the  ster- 
num, 7  inches ;  height  3  inches.  Shell  oblong,  rounded, 
slightly  flattened  above.  The  plates  of  the  upper  shell  are 
black,  covered  with  numerous  bright  yellow  circular  and  ob- 
long spots  or  blotches,  irregularly  distributed.  The  first  verte- 
bral plate  is  pentagonal ;  the  second  and  third  are  hexagonal  ; 
the  fourth  is  heptagonal ;  the  fifth  is  octagonal.  Of  the  lateral 
plates,  the  anterior  and  posterior  are  quadrilateral,  the  third 
and  fourth,  pentagonal.  The  marginal  plates  are  twenty-five 
in  number ;  the  nuchal  plate  is  very  small,  about  a  line  in 
width,  and  less  than  half  of  an  inch  long  ;  the  first,  third, 


216  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

fourth,  sixth,  eighth,  tenth,  and  twelfth  plates  are  quadrilateral  ; 
the  second,  fifth,  seventh,  ninth,  and  eleventh,  pentagonal :  the 
edge  of  these  marginal  plates  is  sharp  and  entire.  The  ster- 
num is  composed  of  two  valves,  the  posterior  of  which,  the 
larger,  is  oblong,  rounded  before,  emarginated  behind;  both 
valves  are  moveable,  and  when  closed  they  shut  the  animal 
entirely  with  the  exception  of  his  toes.  The  sternal  plates, 
twelve  in  number,  are  yellow,  with  large  quadrangular  dark 
spots,  occupying  nearly  one  half  of  each  plate  ;  the  plates  are 
marked  with  concentric  striae. 

The  head  is  nearly  black,  with  yellowish  spots.  The  upper 
jaw  is  of  a  dark  brown  color,  with  transverse  yellowish  lines  ; 
the  lower  jaw  is  of  a  bright  yellow.  The  anterior  extremities 
are  protected  by  large  imbricated  scales  in  front,  with  smaller 
ones  beneath,  and  granulations  behind ;  there  are  five  fingers, 
which  are  palmated,  with  nails.  The  posterior  extremities 
are  larger  than  the  anterior,  of  the  same  color,  and,  like  them, 
having  scales  and  granulations  ;  these  extremities  are  flattened 
upon  the  leg  and  foot,  with  5  toes ;  the  posterior  only  destitute 
of  a  nail.  Tail  cylindrical,  gradually  tapering  to  a  point. 

In  regard  to  this  species,  Dr.  Holbrook,  in  the  third  volume 
of  his  Herpetology,  which  is  just  published,  observes :  "  The 
sole  locality  that  can  at  this  moment  be  assigned  to  the  Emys 
Blandingii,  is  the  prairies  in  the  state  of  Illinois  and  the  territory 
of  Wisconsin,  where  they  are  said  to  be  abundant.  The  only 
specimen  I  have  seen  came  from  Fox  river,  a  tributary  of  the 
Illinois." 


SPHARGIS.     Merrern. 

Generic  characters.  Body  covered  by  a  leathery  skin,  tuber- 
cular in  the  young,  perfectly  smooth  in  the  adult.  Feet 
without  nails. 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  217 


S.     coriacea.     Lin.      The  Leather  Tortoise. 
Plate  IV. 

Pennant's  British  Zoology,  vol.  iii,  p.  7,  et  fig. 
Siiaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  77,  et  fig. 
Phil.  Trans,  vol.  Ixi.  pt.  1.  p.  271,  et  fig. 
Durn  et  Bibr.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Kept.  t.  ii.  p.  5G1. 

The  only  specimen  I  have  heard  of  having  been  seen  on 
the  coast  of  the  United  States,  was  taken  asleep  on  the  surface 
of  the  water  in  Massachusetts  Bay.  in  the  year  1824,  and  being 
brought  to  Boston,  was  purchased  by  Mr.  Greenwood  of  the 
New  England  Museum,  of  the  captors,  for  two  hundred  dollars, 
and  placed  in  this  institution,  where  it  still  remains.  The 
naturalist  may  judge  of  the  great  rarity  of  this  species  from  the 
following  observations  by  Dumeril  and  Bibron,  in  their  "  Er- 
pctologie  gencrale  ou  Histoire  Naturelle  complete  dcs  Reptiles  ;" 
"  This  species  is  very  rare  ;  it  inhabits  the  Mediterranean, 
and  the  Atlantic  ocean.  Rondelet  speaks  of  a  "  Sphargis  luth" 
five  cubits  long,  which  was  taken  at  Frontignon  :  Amoreux 
described  another  which  was  captured  in  the  harbor  of  Cette  ; 
and  in  1729  a  third  was  taken  at  the  mouth  of  the  Loire, 
which  was  described  by  Delafout  in  the  "  Memoir es  de  V 
Academie  des  Sciences"  Borlase  has  given  a  bad  figure  of  a 
"  Sphargis  luth"  which  was  taken  in  1756  upon  the  coast  of 
Cornwall,  in  England." 

The  specimen  in  the  New  England  Museum  presents  the 
following  characters:  Entire  length  eighty-five  inches;  widest 
part,  fourteen  inches  ;  back  of  the  head,  thirty-four  inches ; 
greatest  depth  fourteen  inches.  The  body  is  covered  above, 
by  a  dark  brown  shield,  fifty-seven  inches  in  length,  of  a  firm 
leathery  texture,  which  is  divided  into  furrows  by  seven  lon- 
gitudinal elevated  ridges  ;  all  these  ridges  are  noduled,  resern- 
Lling  the  vertebral  column  j  the  dorsal  ridge  runs  the  whole 
length  of  the  shell  ;  those  on  the  side,  next  the  dorsum,  com- 
mence one  inch  and  a  half  further  forwards  than  the  dorsal 
ridge,  and  within  sixteen  inches  of  the  posterior  extremity  of 
28 


218  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

the  shell  curve  upwards  towards  the  dorsal  ridge,  but  are  not 
as  perceptible  after  curving,  and  reach  the  upper  ridge,  six  in- 
ches anterior  to  the  extremity  of  the  shell.  The  second  lateral 
ridge  commences  about  seven  inches  back  of  the  preceding,  and, 
at  the  posterior  extremity,  curves  up  like  that ;  the  abdominal 
margin  makes  the  third  lateral  ridge.  The  posterior  extremity 
of  the  shell  is  truncated,  and  is  two  and  a  half  inches  wide. 

Length  of  the  head  and  neck,  sixteen  inches :  of  the  head, 
nine  and  a  half  inches  ;  width  of  the  head  nine  inches  ;  width 
of  the  neck,  thirteen  inches.  Diameter  of  the  eye,  large. 
Nostrils  just  back  of  the  tip  of  the  snout.  A  large  notch  in 
the  middle  of  the  upper  jaw,  which  receives  the  projections  of 
the  lower  jaw,  when  the  mouth  is  closed  ;  on  each  side  of  this 
median  emargination  of  the  upper  jaw  are  two  others,  one  on 
each  side  of  it.  Upon  the  middle  and  posterior  portion  of  the 
roof  of  the  mouth,  strong  spinous  processes. 

A  portion  of  the  oesophagus  of  this  specimen  belongs  to  the 
cabinet  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History  j  it  is  com- 
pactly armed  with  long  firm  very  sharp  spines. 

Anterior  extremities,  thirty-five  inches  long,  rounded  at  the 
origin,  compressed  in  the  middle,  tapering  to  a  rounded  ex- 
tremity ;  in  their  widest  portion,  ten  inches  across. 

Posterior  extremities,  sixteen  inches  in  length  j  for  about 
half  their  length,  nine,  inches  wide,  truncated  posteriorly,  and, 
as  well  as  the  anterior  extremities,  bordered  upon  their  posterior 
margin  by  a  deep  fleshy  fringe  or  border. 

Length  of  the  tail,  thirteen  inches  ;  eight  inches  wide  at  the 
base,  tapering  to  a  point. 

Body  beneath,  covered  by  a  less  firm  envelope,  of  a  lighter 
color. 

I  am  indebted  to  my  friend  Dr.  Wyman  for  the  accompany- 
ing plate  of  this  species. 


ORDER    II. 

SAUEJA. 


FAMILY. 
SCINCOIDEA. 


SCINCUS.     Daudin. 


Generic  characters.  Head  oblong,  pointed,  covered  with 
plates  ;  jaws  furnished  with  closely  set  teeth  ;  two  rows  of  teeth 
on  the  palate;  tongue  fleshy,  slightly  extensible,  emarginate  ; 
tympanum  apparent ;  neck  as  large  as  the  head ;  body  elon- 
gated;  tail  conical ;  the  whole  body  and  tail  covered  with  small 
imbricated  scales  ;  extremities  icithfree  and  unginculated  toes. 

S.    fasciatus.     Lin.      The  Blue-tailed  Lizard. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol  iii.  pt.  1.  p.  241. 
Ilarlun's  Med.  and  Thysic  Res.  p.  138. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  vol.  iii.  p.  45,  et  fig. 

The  only  specimen  of  this  beautiful  species  I  have  known 
to  be  found  in  New  England,  was  captured  in  Barre,  by  Dr. 
Joseph  N.  Bates  of  that  place,  and  kindly  loaned  me  to  identify 
and  describe.  He  took  it,  he  writes  me.  "  in  a  mud  hole  ;  it 
evaded  my  attempts  to  capture  it  for  some  time  on  account  of 
its  agility  and  cunning,  and  when  captured  made  much  resis- 
tance with  jaws,  claws,  &c." 

Length  of  the  specimen  five  inches,  elongated,  covered 
above  with  longitudinal  rows  of  imbricated  scales  ;  color  above, 
a  deep  shining  black,  with  five  longitudinal  deep  golden  yel- 
low lines  ;  abdomen,  of  a  light  yellow  color  ;  tail,  a  deep 


220  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

sky  blue,  blended  with  yellow  and  black  lines,  which  run 
longitudinally  along  the  back. 

A  yellow  line  commencing  over  each  nostril,  passes  obliquely 
backwards,  and,  approaching  each  other,  they  unite  at  the  dis- 
tance of  rather  more  than  a  quarter  of  an  inch  back  of  their 
origin,  forming  a  dorsal  line,  which,  continued  the  whole 
length  of  the  body,  is  lost  upon  the  tail ;  on  each  side, of  this 
dorsal  line,  runs  another,  which  arises  at  the  superior  anterior 
angle  of  the  eye,  and  terminates  like  the  preceding  ;  beneath 
this,  is  still  another,  commencing  at  the  snout,  and  interrupted 
cnly  by  the  meatus  of  the  ear,  is  continued  like  the  others  upon 
the  tail.  These  yellow  lines  give  the  beick  the  appearance 
of  being  divided  into  yellow  and  black  longitudinal  lines. 
Head,  half  an  inch  long  ;  one  quarter  of  an  inch  wide ;  with 
large  plates  above.  Eyes,  small.  External  meatus  of  the  ear, 
vertical,  large.  Anterior  feet  short,  with  five  toes,  each  armed 
with  a  sharp  nail.  Posterior  extremities,  large  ;  second  toe 
very  much  elongated,  and  all  the  toes,  like  those  of  the  fore 
feet,  nailed. 

Extremities  above,  of  a  brown  color,  having  a  longitudinal 
yellowish  white  line  running  along  their  posterior  portion  to 
the  toes. 

The  vent  is  transverse,  situated  just  back  of  the  interior 
of  the  thighs.  Tail  longer  than  the  body,  its  posterior  portion 
a  deep  blue. 

The  species  feeds  upon  insects. 


ORDER    III. 

OPHIDIA. 

FAMILY. 
SERPENTIA. 

COLUBER.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Body  long,  cylindrical  and  tapering  ; 
head  oblong,  covered  above  with  smooth  polygonal  plates ; 
above  covered  with  rhomboidal  scales,  imbricate,  reticulated, 
or  carinatcd,  or  smooth  ;  abdomen  with  transverse  plates  ;  be- 
neath the  tail  with  double  plates;  anus  transverse,  simple; 
jaws  furnished  with  sharp  teeth  ;  without  poisonous  fangs. 
Some  species  oviparous,  others  ovo-viviparous. 

C.     sirtalis.     Lin.      The  Striped  Snake. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  2.  p.  535. 
Ilarlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  116. 

This  pretty  species,  generally  known  as  the  striped  snake,  is 
our  most  common  snake.  The  usual  length  is  about  two 
feet ;  occasionally  it  is  met  with  two  feet  and  a  half  long. 
The  upper  part  of  the  body  is  of  a  dark  olive  brown  color.  A 
narrow  yellow  band  extends  from  the  occiput  to  the  extremity 
of  the  tail ;  on  each  side  of  this,  joining  the  abdominal  plates, 
is  a  somewhat  broader  parallel  band  of  the  same  color.  The 
brown  color  of  the  back  is  variegated  with  black  blotches, 
which  are  much  more  strongly  marked  in  the  smaller  speci- 
mens ;  in  the  larger  specimens,  they  are  hardly  discernible,  un- 
less the  scales  be  slightly  separated  by  the  observer.  Abdo- 


222  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

men  greenish  ;  its  upper  portion  towards  the  sides,  lighter  ; 
the  posterior  edge  of  the  abdominal  scales,  at  their  union  with 
those  of  the  sides,  marked  with  a  black  spot ;  at  the  distance 
of  one  or  two  lines  within  this  spot,  towards  the  centre  of  the 
abdomen,  another  spot  is  observed,  which  in  young  specimens 
is  equally  dark  with  the  former,  but  duller  in  old  specimens. 
Scales  oblong,  strongly  carinated  ;  smaller  upon  the  back  of 
the  head  and  the  upper  anterior  portion  of  the  body,  than  far- 
ther back.  Scales  of  the  yellow  lateral  lines,  larger  than  those 
of  the  olive  colored  back.  The  scales  that  are  shortest,  least 
carinated,  and  at  the  same  time  the  largest,  are  in  a  single  row 
between  the  abdomen  and  the  lateral  line  referred  to.  Head 
flattened,  having  upon  its  top  ten  plates ;  one  at  the  snout,  two 
pairs  behind  this,  three  between  the  eyes,  and  two,  larger  than 
either  of  the  preceding,  upon  the  occiput.  Pupil  of  the  eye, 
black  ;  iris,  reddish.  Upper  jaw  margined  on  each  side  by 
seven  plates,  besides  that  at  the  tip  ;  the  fifth,  situated  directly 
beneath  the  posterior  angle  of  the  eye,  the  largest.  Lower  jaw 
bordered  by  ten  plates  on  each  side.  Two  pairs  of  plates  upon 
the  throat,  very  much  elongated.  Small  teeth  in  the  jaws  and 
upon  the  palatine  bones. 

The  bright  yellow  color,  which  renders  this  a  beautiful  spe- 
cies when  alive,  changes  to  a  dull  greenish  yellow  after  being 
immersed  in  spirits  ;  in  this  state,  it  appears  to  have  been  de- 
scribed by  Herpetologists.  When  the  scaly  cuticle  is  remov- 
ed, the  dorsal  line  beneath  is  found  to  be  white  ;  and  the  sides 
of  the  back  are  of  a  deep  blue  color,  with  two  rows  of  black, 
nearly  circular  blotches.  Sometimes  the  line  on  the  back  is  a 
greenish  white,  while  the  lateral  bands  are  yellow.  Upon  the 
occipital  plates  of  one  of  my  specimens  are  two  small  yellow 
spots  towards  their  middle  at  their  interior  edges.  The 
brightness  of  the'  lateral  lines  disappears  at  the  anus  ;  beyond, 
the  color  is  greenish,  and  this  is  gradually  lost  towards  the 
tail. 

Linnaeus  describes  his  species  as  having  150  abdominal 
plates,  arid  114  caudal  scales  ;  Shaw  copies  this  in  his  "General 
Zoology"  Harlan  makes  150  plates,  -and  60  caudal  scales. 


REPTILES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  223 

One  specimen  before  me.  has  154  plates,  and  75  scales ;  a  sec- 
ond specimen  has  146  plates,  and  63  scales. 

This  species  feeds  upon  frogs  and  toads,  and  is  frequently 
found  enormously  distended  by  having  swallowed  one  of  a 
very  large  size. 


C.     ordinatus.     Lin.       The  little  brown  Snake. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  2.  p.  497. 
Harlairs  Med.  and  Phys.  Kes.  p.  113. 

This  is  also  quite  a  common  species  with  us,  growing  to  the 
length  of  two  feet.  The  color  above,  is  a  browish  ash,  with  a 
broad,  lighter  ash-colored  longitudinal  band  upon  the  dorsal 
ridge,  running  the  whole  length  of  the  animal ;  on  each  side  of 
this  dorsal  band,  a  row  of  small  dark  brown  spots.  Body  be- 
neatly,  fawn-colored ;  of  a  darker  tint  upon  the  sides.  A  row 
of  very  minute  black  dots  upon  the  outer  edge  of  the  abdomi- 
nal plates.  Scales  small,  carinated;  a  row  of  scales  larger 
than  the  rest,  upon  the  sides  joining  the  abdominal  plates. 
Head  very  small,  flattened  above  ;  with  ten  scales  upon  its 
top,  the  two  upon  the  occiput,  and  that  directly  in  the  middle 
of  the  top  of  the  head,  the  largest,  and  black  ;  the  others  are 
quite  small,  and  of  the  color  of  the  back ;  these  scales  are  ar- 
ranged as  follows  :  Two  triangular  ones  upon  the  occiput  j  a 
third,  hexagonal  in  its  form, in  front  of  them;  its  posterior  portion, 
between  the  anterior  inner  portion  of  the  former,  making 
the  top  of  the  head  ;  on  each  side  of  this,  protecting  the  top  of 
the  eye,  a  small  oblong  scale,  rounded  upon  its  outer  edge ;  in 
front  of  these,  immediately  back  of  the  eye,  two  pairs  of 
quadrangular  scales ;  the  posterior,  larger.  A  single  large  scale 
forms  the  snout.  Besides  these  scales,  three  are  seen  in  front 
of  the  eye,  on  the  side  of  the  head ;  and  quite  a  large  scale 
back  of  the  posterior  angle  of  the  eye,  separated  from  it  by 
two  very  minute  scales  only.  Upon  the  margin  of  the  upper 
jaw,  fourteen  scales  ;  upon  the  edge  of  the  lower  jaw,  twelve, 
besides  the  tip.  An  oblique  black  band  passes  downwards 


224  REPTILES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

across  the  angle  of  the  jaws,  and  a  transverse  one  back  of  the 
occiput,  crosses  the  neck  on  each  side  ;  in  some  specimens  all 
the  scales  upon  the  upper  jaw  are  edged  with  black. 

Sometimes  the  spots  on  the  sides  of  the  abdomen  are  very 
distinctly  seen  :  in  others,  as  in  several  specimens  lying  before 
me  while  I  write,  they  are  scarcely  observable. 

When  preserved  in  spirit,  the  longitudinal  dorsal  line  becomes 
lighter  colored,  and  the  abdomen  changes  to  a  yellowish  green 
color. 

The  abdominal  plates  are  128  ;  the  caudal  scales  62  and  64. 

In  the  stomach  of  this  species,  I  have  found  fragments 
of  insects. 


C.     vernalis.     Dekay.      The  green  Snake. 
Harlan's  Med.  aud  Phys.  Res.  p  124. 

One  of  our  most  beautiful  species,  this  snake  is  generally 
well  known.  A  fine  living  specimen  before  me,  twenty-one 
inches  in  length,  exhibits  the  following  characters  : 

Above,  of  a  beautiful  grass  green  color ;  beneath,  a  yellow- 
ish white.  Length  of  the  head,  half  an  inch  ;  greatest  width 
of  the  head,  a  quarter  of  an  inch ;  head  flattened  above  ;  ten 
plates  upon  the  top  of  the  head  ;  one  at  the  snout ;  two  pairs 
immediately  back  of  this  ;  throe  plates  between  the  eyes  ;  two 
large  plates  upon  the  occiput.  Upper  jaw  bordered  by  fourteen 
scales.  Nostrils  circular,  just  back  of  the  posterior  lateral  angle 
of  the  snout.  Pupil  of  the  eye,  black  ;  iris  cupreous.  Scales 
rhomboidal,  smooth,  not  carinated.  Tail  six  inches  in  length, 
gradually  tapering  to  the  point. 

Four  specimens  vary  in  their  plates  and  scales  as  follows  : 
One  specimen  has  137  plates  ;  85  caudal  scales. 
A  second  "     132      "         80      "         " 

A  third  "     133      "         81      "         " 

A  fourth  "     127      "         84      "         " 

Like  the  preceding  species,  this  feeds  upon  insects. 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  225 


C.    punctatus.     Lin.      The  ringed  Snake. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  2.  p.  553. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  117. 
N.  A.  Herp.  vol.  ii.  p.  115,  et  fig. 

This  pretty  species  is  less  common  than  either  of  the  pre- 
ceding, being  usually  found  concealed  beneath  the  bark  of  de- 
caying trees.  The  specimen  before  me  is  fourteen  inches  in 
length  ;  the  body  is  elongated,  with  smooth  scales.  Color 
above,  of  an  uniform  bluish  brown  ;  beneath,  of  a  reddish  yel- 
low, with  a  longitudinal  row  of  black  spots  upon  each  side  of 
the  abdomen,  where  the  abdominal  plates  and  lateral  scales 
unite ;  a  third  row  of  similar  spots  runs  longitudinally  along 
the  middle  of  the  abdomen,  as  far  as  the  vent,  beyond  which 
they  are  not  visible.  Ten  plates  upon  the  top  of  the  head  ; 
sixteen  plates,  beside  that  at  the  tip,  border  the  upper  jaw  ;  and 
fourteen,  margin  the  lower.  Head  half  an  inch  long,  one  quarter 
of  an  inch  wide  ;  flattened  above  ;  rather  lighter  colored  than 
the  body.  Nostrils  large.  Eyes  of  moderate  size  ;  pupils  black, 
irides  grayish.  A  broad  yellowish  white  band  crosses  the 
occiput.  Tail,  three  inches  in  length,  tapering  to  a  point. 
The  abdominal  plates  are  156,  and  the  caudal  scales  56.  A 
second  specimen  exhibits  156  plates,  and  62  scales. 


C.     constrictor.     Lin.      The  common  black  Snake. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  2.  p.  464. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  112. 

In  some  parts  of  the  State,  this  is  not  an  uncommon  species, 
frequently  growing  to  the  length  of  six  feet.  A  fine  specimen, 
fifty-one  inches  in  length,  serves  for  the  following  description : 
Length  of  the  head,  one  and  a  half  inches  ;  greatest  width  of 
the  head,  half  an  inch.  Body,  above,  almost  black ;  beneath, 
slate-colored  ;  neck,  margin  of  the  jaws,  and  snout,  yellow. 
Plates  upon  the  top  of  the  head,  very  large  ;  that  at  the  snout, 
29 


226  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

convex,  projecting,  yellow,  bordered  with  black  at  its  upper 
and  lateral  margins ;  the  first  pair  of  plates,  nearly  quadrangu- 
lar ;  the  second,  pentagonal  ;  of  the  three  between  the  eyes, 
the  middle,  which  is  largest,  is  hexagonal ;  those  at  the  sides 
of  this,  over  the  eyes,  are  pentagonal  •  the  two  posterior  plates, 
pentagonal.  Sixteen  plates  border  the  upper  jaw.  Eyes 
large.  Nostrils  large,  vertical,  situated  between  the  second 
and  third  plates,  back  of  the  snout.  Three  pairs  of  elongated 
plates  on  the  throat,  just  back  of  the  chin  ;  back  of  these 
plates,  two  pairs  of  smaller  plates  anterior  to  the  abdominal 
plates.  The  whole  back  covered  with  large  rhomboidal  smooth 
scales.  Body  somewhat  compressed  at  the  anterior  extremity  ; 
cylindrical  at  the  posterior,  gradually  tapering  to  the  tail,  from 
which  it  more  suddenly  becomes  smaller,  and  terminates  in  a 
point.  Length  of  the  tail,  eleven  inches. 

The  abdominal  plates  are  184 ;  the  caudal  scales,  85. 

This  species  is  generally  met  with  in  wild  and  unfrequented 
places  ;  it  is  avoided  as  venomous  by  many,  although  perfectly 
harmless.  It  feeds  upon  the  toad,  and  several  species  of  frogs  ; 
oftentimes  it  catches  small  birds.  Mr.  Erastus  H.  Clap  informs 
me  that  he  saw  one  that  had  swallowed  a  common  sized  speci- 
men of  the  Robin,  '•'  Turdus  migratorius,"  entire  ;  it  is  said 
also  to  prey  upon  the  different  species  of  meadow  mice. 


C.     amaenus.     Say.      The  red  Snake. 

Journal  Acad.  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  iv  p.  237. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  118. 

A  single  specimen  of  this  species  has  been  received  from 
Professor  Adams,  who  found  it  at  Amherst ;  this  specimen  be- 
ing preserved  in  spirits,  and  its  natural  character  somewhat 
affected  thereby,  I  avail  myself  of  the  very  accurate  descrip- 
tion of  Say  : 

"  Body  above,  reddish  brown  ;  beneath,  vivid  red  ;  head  not 
larger  than  the  neck,  obtusely  rounded  before  ;  terminal  plate 
curving  a  little  on  the  top  of  the  head,  so  as  to  be  nearly  hori- 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  227 

zontal  above  ;  first  pair  of  plates  rather  short,  breadth  deci- 
dedly more  than  double  the  length  ;  second  pair  rather  large, 
oblique,  posterior  outer  angle  reaching  the  eyes  ;  central  plate 
convex,  rounded ;  subtri-angular,  wide  before  and  angulated 
on  the  anterior  middle,  posterior  angle  acute  ;  posterior  plates 
a  little  convex,  with  a  single  scale  between  their  tips ;  eyes 
with  one  scale  behind,  one  before  twice  as  long  as  the  poste- 
rior one,  small  plate  above  the  eye  less  than  half  the  length  of 
the  central  plate,  and  not  twice,  as  large  as  the  posterior  eye 
plate  ;  teeth  minute ;  scales  smooth,  polished,  somewhat  opa- 
lescent, slightly  convex,  rounded  at  the  tip  ;  tail  less  than  one 
seventh  the  whole  length  j  tip  rather  abrupt,  conic,  solid, 
acute. 

Plates,  124  j  scales,  25.  Total  length,  ten  inches  and  three 
tenths ;  tail,  one  inch  and  two  fifths. 

Var.  a.  dark  slate  color  above. 

A  pretty  and  perfectly  harmless  serpent.  The  contrast  of 
color  between  the  lively  red.  sometimes  rosaceous,  of  the  infe- 
rior surface  of  the  body,  and  the  brown,  more  or  less  deep,  of 
the  superior  surface,  is  very  striking ;  the  abrupt  termination 
of  the  tail  and  the  narrow  head,  are  also  distinguishing  traits. 
It  is  found  beneath  stones  and  prostrate  logs,  but  not  very  fre- 
quently." 

My  specimen  is  seven  inches  long  ;  tail,  one  inch  ;  abdomi- 
nal plates,  136 ;  caudal  scales,  32. 


C.     eximius.     Dekay.      The  chicken  Snake. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  123. 

This  not  very  uncommon  species,  is  known  by  the  names  of 
house  snake  ;  thunder  and  lightning  snake  ;  chicken  snake;  milk 
snake  ;  and  chequered  adder.  It  is  one  of  our  largest  species, 
measuring  sometimes  five  feet  or  more  in  length  ;  and  is  a  beau- 
tiful snake.  A  specimen  thirty-four  inches  in  length,  furnishes 
the  following  description  :  Body  elongated,  varying  very  little, 


228  REPTILES  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

in  its  circumference  anterior  to  the  tail,  but  back  of  the  vent, 
rapidly  terminating  in  a  point ;  all  the  upper  portion  of  the 
body  covered  with  smooth  rhomboidal  scales.  Body,  above,  of 
a  dark  brown  color,  with  numerous  transverse  white  bands, 
which  become  confluent  on  the  sides  ;  the  brown  portions  of 
the  back,  between  these  transverse  bands,  irregular  in  their 
form,  and  margined  with  black ;  blotches  of  a  similar  color 
with  the  back,  along  the  sides.  Abdomen  yellowish,  variega- 
ted with  quadrangular  black  spots.  Circumference  of  the  head 
less  than  that  of  the  body ;  length  of  the  head,  one  inch ; 
width  across  the  head,  half  an  inch.  The  plate  at  the  snout 
large,  with  a  well  marked  emargination  beneath  ;  the  first  pair 
of  plates  moderate  in  size,  quadrangular  ;  the  second  pair  of 
plates  also  quadrangular,  arid  much  larger  ;  the  central  plate  on 
the  top  of  the  head  large,  pentagonal ;  those  upon  the  sides' of 
this,  irregularly  quadrangular ;  occipital  plates  very  large. 
Fourteen  plates  margin  the  upper  jaw  ;  sixteen  plates  edge  the 
lower  j  these  plates  on  the  jaws  are  yellow,  margined  with 
black.  Eyes  moderate  in  size ;  from  their  posterior  angle,  a 
black  band  passes  obliquely  backwards.  Upon  the  neck,  seven 
longitudinal  plates;  between  the  chin  and  the  abdominal  plates  ; 
the  anterior  three,  largest ;  the  second,  larger  than  any. 
Length  of  the  tail,  four  inches. 

The  abdominal  plates  are  207  ;  caudal  scales,  48. 

This  species  feeds  upon  toads  and  frogs. 


C.     sipedon.     Lin.      The  water  Adder. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  2.  p.  496. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  114. 

Large  numbers  of  this  species  are  found  in  mowing 
meadows  which  are  overflowed  a  part  of  the  season ;  it  is  fre- 
quently killed  at  Cambridge,  four  feet  and  more  in  length  ;  its 
body  being  the  size  of  a  man's  wrist.  By  many  it  is 
avoided,  as  being  poisonous  in  its  bite.  The  body  is  large  ;  its 
circumference  lessening  but  little,  anterior  to  the  vent ;  rapidly 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  229 

tapering  posterior  to  the  vent ;  of  an  uniform  dark  brown  color 
above  ;  reddish  upon  the  sides  ;  abdomen  yellowish  white, 
mottled  with  dark  brown ;  beneath  the  tail,  nearly  black. 
Whole  upper  part  of  the  body  covered  with  rows  of  elongated, 
strongly  carinated  scales ;  these  carinae,  more  obvious  upon  the 
posterior  extremity  ;  nothing  peculiar  in  the  arrangement  of  the 
plates  upon  the  head^*  the  ten  plates  upon  the  top  of  the  head, 
of  moderate  size  ;  sixteen  plates  upon  the  upper  jaw  j  eighteen 
plates  upon  the  lower  jaw.  Eyes  prominent.  Nostrils  of  mod- 
erate size. 

The  abdominal  plates  are  139  ;  caudal  scales  72. 

In  a  young  individual  lying  before  me,  seventeen  inches  in 
length,  with  the  same  number  of  abdominal  plates  and  caudal 
scales  with  the  above  described  specimen,  the  back  is  crossed 
transversely  by  a  large  number  of  yellow  bands,  and  the  scales 
on  the  tail  are  so  strongly  keeled,  as  to  produce  well  marked 
grooves  between  the  rows  of  scales. 

This  species  feeds  upon  frogs. 


C.     saurita.     Lin.      The  riband  Snake. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  2.  p.  532. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  115. 

This  beautiful  little  snake  is  not  very  common ;  it  resem- 
bles somewhat  the  sirtalis,  but  it  is  smaller,  lighter  colored, 
and  much  more  graceful  in  its  figure  and  proportions.  Its 
form  is  very  slender,  tapering  to  an  acute  point.  Above,  dark 
brown,  with  three  longitudinal  stripes  of  a  greenish  white 
color,  which  are  very  distinct  as  far  as  the  vent,  back  of  which 
they  are  insensibly  effaced ;  both  sides  of  the  dorsal  line,  and 
the  upper  edge  of  the  lateral  lines,  margined  with  black. 
Whole  length  of  the  specimen  before  me,  ten  inches  ;  length  of 
the  tail,  three  and  a  half  inches.  The  scales  upon  the  top  of 
the  head  are  moderate  in  size ;  fourteen  upon  the  upper  jaw, 
twenty  upon  the  lower  jaw.  Eyes  rather  large. 

The  abdominal  plates  are  162;  caudal  scales  112. 


230  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

C.     occipito-maculatus.     Nobis.      The  spotted-neck  Snake. 

This  pretty  species,  which  I  suppose  to  be  undescribed,  was 
received  from  Professor  Adams,  who  found  it  at  Arnherst.  It 
was  sent  me  in  spirits,  and  therefore  it  is  probable  that  its 
colors  had  somewhat  changed.  Its  length  is  ten  inches  and  a 
half ;  length  of  the  head,  less  than  half  an  inch  ;  width  across 
the  head  two  lines.  Body  elongated,  covered  with  longitudinal 
rows  of  pentagonal  scales,  connected,  and  at  their  posterior  ex- 
tremity, slightly  fissured.  All  the  upper  portion  of  the  body, 
a  light  ash  or  gray  color.  An  indistinct  band  of  a  lighter  color 
passes  longitudinally  down  the  back  ;  this  is  margined  on  each 
side  with  a  row  of  dark  colored,  almost  black  scales  ;  on  each 
side  of  the  body,  a  row  of  larger  scales  than  those  upon  the 
back,  unite  the  back  with  the  abdominal  plates  ;  these  scales 
are  black,  with  a  longitudinal  delicate  white  line  passing 
through  their  centres.  Abdomen  yellowish  white,  with  black 
or  fuliginous  markings  upon  the  outer  edge  of  the  plates,  ap- 
pearing upon  the  anterior  plates  like  black  dots.  Circumfer- 
ence of  the  neck  less  than  the  remainder  of  the  body  ;  body 
largest  just  anterior  to  the  vent ;  back  of  the  vent  it  more  rap- 
idly approaches  a  point.  The  three  anterior  plates  upon  the 
head,  viz.  that  at  the  snout,  and  the  two  pairs  immediately 
posterior  to  this,  yellow  ;  the  other  plates  the  color  of  the  back, 
variegated  with  white.  Twelve  plates  upon  the  upper  jaw,  be- 
sides that  at  the  snout ;  fourteen  plates  margin  the  lower  jaw,  be- 
sides that  at  the  chin.  Three  large  white  irregularly  formed 
blotches,  directly  back  of  the  occipital  plates ;  one  above,  and 
one  on  each  side  of  the  first. 

There  are  124  abdominal  plates,  and  38  caudal  scales. 

In  as  much  as  the  "  punctatus"  sometimes  exhibits  merely  a 
spot  upon  the  occiput,  instead  of  a  circular  band,  the  superfi- 
cial observer  might  think  that,  and  the  species  I  have  just  de- 
scribed as  identical ;  a  little  attention  will  show  the  marked 
differences  between  them. 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  231 

HETERODON.     Palisot  de  Beauvais. 

Generic  characters.  Plates  and  scales  as  on  the  Colubri ; 
the  rostral  plate  a  trihedral  pyramid,  with  a  ridge  above,  and 
pointed  at  the  tip  ;  posterior  maxillary  teeth  largest. 

H.    platirhinos.     Latreille. 

Daud.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Kept.  torn.  vii.  p.  153. 
Karl.  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  120. 
N.  H.  Herpetol.  vol.  ii.  p.  97,  et  fig. 

I  have  never  seen  a  specimen  of  this  animal  ;  but  Dr.  Hoi- 
brook  assures  me  he  possesses  an  individual  which  was  cap- 
tured at  Medfield.  His  description  therefore  is  here  intro- 
duced :  "  The  head  is  large,  flat,  triangular,  broad  behind, 
with  the  snout  pointed  and  elongated  at  the  tip  ;  it  is  covered 
with  scales  on  the  posterior  part,  and  with  plates  on  the  ante- 
rior arid  on  the  vertex.  The  vertical  plate  is  regularly  penta- 
gonal, with  its  broadest  point  directed  forwards.  The  supe- 
rior orbital  are  quadilateral,  elongated,  and  broadest  posteriorly, 
with  their  outer  margins  projecting  over  the  eye,  which  gives 
a  sinister  look  to  the  animal.  The  occipital  plates  are  rhom- 
boidal.  The  frontal  are  quadrilateral,  with  their  anterior  infe- 
rior angles  very  much  prolonged ;  the  anterior  frontal  are 
triangular,  with  their  bases  directed  inwards,  and  their  apices 
rounded,  and  turned  to  the  nostrils.  Between  these  frontals, 
so  as  to  prevent  them  coming  in  contact  with  each  other,  is  a 
narrow  elongated  azygos  plate,  reaching  from  the  posterior 
frontal  to  the  rostral  plate,  with  a  ridge  on  its  upper  surface, 
continuous  with  that  of  the  rostral  plate.  The  rostral  plate 
is  triangular,  with  its  basis  below  and  the  apex  very  pointed 
above,  and  recurved;  with  a  strong  carina  or  ridge  on  the  upper 
surface.  The  nostril  plates  are  two  on  each  side ;  the  anteri- 
ly  quadrilateral,  lunated  on  the  posterior  margin,  with  its  ante- 
rior and  inferior  angle  greatly  prolonged ;  the  posterior  is  nar- 
row, and  concave  in  front  to  complete  the  nostril.  There  are 
twelve  orbital  plates,  the  superior  of  which  have  been  already 
described.  Besides  these  there  are  three  anterior  orbital  plates, 


232  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

which  are  quadrilateral,  the  largest  being  above  ;  the  inferior 
orbital  are  five,  and  the  posterior  orbital  three  in  number,  all 
of  which  are  quadrilateral.  The  upper  jaw  has  six  lateral 
plates,  quadrilateral,  and  increasing  in  size  to  the  sixth,  which 
is  largest.  The  nostrils  are  very  large,  near  the  snout,  and 
lateral.  The  eyes  are  large,  the  pupils  dark,  the  iris  light 
gray.  The  neck  is  nearly  the  size  of  the  head  when  he  is 
quiet,  but  when  roused  or  irritated  he  flattens  it  more  than 
twice  its  ordinary  breadth.  The  body  is  elongated,  thick, 
rounded  above,  but  flattened  at  the  abdomen,  covered  with 
scales  strongly  carinated  above,  the  three  inferior  lateral  rows 
being  ecarinate,  and  with  plates  below.  The  tail  is  long,  nar- 
row, and  terminating  in  a  point,  with  scales  or  bifid  plates  on 
its  under  surface. 

Color.  The  head  above  is  dusky,  with  a  light  band  be- 
tween the  orbits  ;  behind  the  occiput  is  a  dark  spot ;  a  dark 
band  begins  at  the  back  of  each  nostril,  which  increases  in  size 
as  it  descends,  and  forms  a  large  blotch  on  the  side  of  the  neck. 
The  body  is  olive-brown,  or  sometimes  brownish  yellow,  and 
marked  with  a  triple  series  of  black  or  dark  gray  spots  ;  those 
of  the  vertical  series  being  subquadrate  and  elongated  trans- 
versely ;  the  spots  of  the  lateral  rows  are  rounded,  and  many 
of  them  correspond  with  those  of  the  vertebral  line,  while  oth- 
ers alternate  with  them.  Sometimes  the  spots  of  the  lateral 
and  vertebral  lines  are  confluent,  so  as  to  give  the  appearance 
of  bands. 

Dimensions.  Length  of  the  head,  1  1-2  inches  ;  breadth  of 
the  head,  when  not  disturbed,  1  inch  •  length  of  the  body,  27 
inches  ;  length  of  the  tail,  5  inches ;  circumference  of  the 
body,  4  1-2  inches.  In  the  individual  here  described,  there 
were  one  hundred  and  forty-four  abdominal  plates  entire,  and 
two  bifid  plates  near  the  vent ;  and  forty-two  pair  of  subcaudal 
scales." 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  233 

CROTALUS.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Head  large,  triangular,  rounded  in 
front,  covered  with  plates  anteriorly ;  vertex  and  occiput  with 
scales  ;  a  deep  pit  between  the  eye  and  nostril ;  upper  jaw 
armed  with  poisonous  fangs  ;  body  elongated,  thick  ;  tail  short 
and  thick,  terminating  in  a  rattle,  which  is  a  corneous  produc- 
tion of  the  epidermis ;  plates  on  the  abdomen,  and  under  the 
tail. 

C.     durissus.     Kalm.      The  banded  Rattle  Snake. 

Turton's  Linnaeus,  vol.  i.  p.  672. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  2.  p.  317,  et  fig. 

Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  132. 

N.  A.  Herpetol.  vol.  iii.  p.  81. 

This  species,  which  is  generally  known  in  New  England  as 
the  rattle  snake,  is  extensively  distributed  throughout  the 
State.  Two  fine  specimens,  taken  at  Douglas  the  last  sum- 
mer, gave  me  an  opportunity  for  minute  observation.  One  of 
them  measured  three  feet  and  one  inch  in  length,  and  was  five 
inches  in  circumference  ,*  the  other  was  three  feet  long.  From 
the  former,  I  drew  up  the  following  notes : 

Upper  part  of  the  body,  of  a  yellowish  brown  color,  with 
rhomboidal  black  spots  continued  along  the  back,  margined 
with  bright  yellow ;  upon  each  side  of  these  rhombs  a  black 
band  is  continued  to  the  sides  of  the  body,  where  it  terminates 
in  an  irregularly  quadrate  black  spot ;  tail  black.  Body,  be- 
neath, yellow,  with  fuliginous  dots  and  blotches  distributed 
irregularly  over  its  surface.  Scales  on  the  back  elongated, 
carinated ;  scales  upon  the  sides  larger,  carinse  less  prominent. 
Length  of  the  head,  one  inch  and  a  half ;  width  of  the  head, 
one  inch.  Top  of  the  head,  flattened ;  scales  upon  the  top, 
small  •  on  the  sides  of  the  head,  large,  pentagonal ;  on  the 
edges  of  the  jaws,  quadrangular.  Snout,  terminated  by  one 
large  plate  ;  a  quadrangular  plate  on  each  side  of  this  j  directly 
back  of  these,  a  smaller  one,  in  which  are  the  circular 
nostrils,  situated  obliquely,  pointing  forwards.  Directly 
30 


...... 

234  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

above  the  two  lateral  plates,  two  others  are  situated ;  the  first, 
meeting  the  snout  anteriorly,  and  the  second,  extending  some 
distance  beyond  the  nostrils  behind.  At  the  anterior  angle  of 
the  eye,  a  large  plate,  separated  from  the  nostrils  by  two  quite 
small  plates,  at  the  anterior  inferior  angle  of  which,  is  the 
aperture  for  the  poison.  -  A  large  plate  over  the  eyes.  Two 
plates  much  larger  than  the  others,  upon  the  throat. 

The  rattle  is  composed  of  six  corneous  portions.  The  other 
specimen  has  eleven  rattles.  The  abdominal  plates  are  170  ; 
caudal  plates,  24. 

Although  the  poison  of  this  species  is  very  virulent,  an  acci- 
dent is  seldom  known  to  occur ;  proving  its  unwillingness  to  be 
the  aggressor,  and  that  the  fangs  are  used  only  as  weapons  of 
defence,  after  sufficient  warning  has  been  given  of  its  presence, 
by  the  rattles. 

The  general  impression  that  a  rattle  is  added  annually  is  in- 
correct. Dr.  Holbrook  observes,  "  It  is  now  certain  that  rattle 
snakes  have  been  known  to  gain  more  than  one  rattle  in  a 
year,  and  to  lose  in  proportion,  the  exact  number  being  regula- 
ted no  doubt  by  the  state  of  the  animal  as  to  health,  nourish- 
ment, liberty,  &c.  I  have  known  two  rattles  added  in  one 
year,  and  Dr.  Backman  has  observed  four  produced  in  the  same 
length  of  time." 

The  power  of  fascination  attributed  to  this  genus,  is  too  ab- 
surd to  require  our  serious  consideration. 


ORDER  IV. 

BATRACHIA. 


RANA.     Lin. 

Generic  characters.  Body  covered  with  a  smooth  skin  ; 
upper  jaw  furnished  with  a  row  of  minute  teeth  ;  another  in- 
terrupted row  in  the  middle  of  the  palate  ;  no  post-tympanal 
glands  ;  posterior  extremities  long,  and  in  general  fully  pal- 
mated  ;  ftngers  four  ;  toes  five  in  number. 

R.     pipiens.     Lin.      The  Bull-frog. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  pt.  1.  p,  106,  et  fig. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  101. 
N.  A.  Herpetol.  vol.  iii.  p.  81,  et  fig. 

This  is  by  far  our  largest  species  of  frog  ;  it  inhabits  ponds, 
ditches,  and  pools  of  stagnant  water,  but  is  not  common  in 
this  portion  of  the  State. 

A  specimen  lying  before  me  twelve  inches  in  length,  serves 
for  my  description.  Greatest  width  nearly  three  inches. 
Color  above,  a  light  green,  with  sparse  dusky  spots  upon  the 
back  ;  head  green.  Sides  of  the  body,  brownish ;  beneath, 
white  ;  throat  yellow.  Legs,  more  or  less  barred  with  dull 
transverse  bars.  Fore  legs,  including  toes,  three  inches  in 
length  ;  above,  of  a  dull  greenish  brown  color,  with  indistinct 
brownish  transverse  bands ;  beneath,  white  ;  four  toed,  that 
next  the  outer,  the  largest,  each  with  three  small  tubercles  at 
the  joints  of  the  phalanges.  Posterior  extremities,  seven  and 
a  half  inches  long,  of  a  similar  color  with  the  anterior  extremi- 
ties ;  the  upper  anterior  half  of  the  thighs  barred  with  brown 
bands  j  the  upper  posterior  portion,  greenish  brown,  with  an  in- 


236  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

termixture  of  a  duller  brown  color,  with  small  white  spots  or 
blotches  ;  legs  with  four  transverse  brown  bands  ;  indistinct 
bands  on  the  feet ;  five  toed,  that  next  the  outer,  much  the 
largest,  being  two  and  a  half  inches  in  length  ;  toes  palrnated ; 
and  tubercled  like  the  toes  of  the  anterior  feet ;  at  the  base  of 
the  little  toe,  is  a  prominent  projecting  carina  along  the  edge 
of  the  phalangeal  ridge  of  the  largest  toe  ;  a  row  of  yellow  dots 
run  to  the  second  phalanx. 

Length  of  the  head,  one  inch  and  a  half ;  width  across  the 
tympanum,  two  inches.  Eyes  prominent,  large  ;  pupils  black  ; 
irides  greenish  yellow  ;  distance  between  the  eyes,  three  lines. 
Snout  obtuse  arid  yellowish,  as  well  as  the  margin  of  the  upper 
jaw.  Nostrils  about  a  line  in  length,  situated  obliquely,  half 
way  between  the  tip  of  the  snout  and  the  eye,  appearing  like 
two  small  black  points.  Tympanum  half  an  inch  in  diameter, 
plane,  looking  like  a  large  scale  fastened  to  the  head  ;  just 
within  its  outer  margin,  a  brownish  circular  ring  ;  within  this 
ring,  greenish.  Mouth  large  ;  numerous  small  sharp  teeth  in 
the  upper  jaw.  Tongue  large,  fleshy. 

In  the  stomach  of  this  specimen,  taken  in  Muddy  Pond, 
Roxbury,  I  found  five  specimens  of  the  "  Helix  albolabris" 
with  the  contained  animal ;  one  only  was  perfect,  the  others 
being  more  or  less  digested  ;  this  specimen  measured  one  inch 
in  its  greatest  diameter,  and  was  five  lines  in  height. 

This  species  usually  feeds  upon  frogs  and  insects,  and  the 
farmers  assert  that  it  sometimes  robs  them  of  their  chickens. 


R.    fontinalis.     Leconte.      The  Yellow  throated  green  Frog. 

Ann.  Lye.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  282. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  103. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  vol.  Hi,  p.  85,  et  fig. 

This  species  appears  very  early  in  the  spring,  and  continues 
extensively  distributed  throughout  the  season.  It  may  be  at 
once  recognised  by  its  greenish  color,  and  yellow  throat. 
Length  of  the  specimen  before  me,  three  inches  ;  length  of 
the  posterior  extremities,  four  inches  and  a  half.  Head  and 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  237 

upper  part  of  the  anterior  portion  of  the  body,  of  a  brilliant 
green  color ;  posterior  portion  of  the  body  slightly  macu- 
lated, greenish,  mixed  with  brown ;  sides  granulated,  brown, 
mottled  with  irregularly  formed  and  distributed  black  blotches  ; 
beneath  the  throat,  yellowish,  abdomen  white.  Head  one 
inch  long;  snout  blunted  and  yellowish  at  the  extremity. 
Eyes  very  prominent ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  metallic,  encircled 
by  a  brilliant  golden  ring.  Nostrils  nearer  to  the  eyes  than 
to  the  mouth.  Gape  of  the  mouth  large,  upper  jaw  with  many 
minute  teeth.  Tympanum  plane,  circular,  rust  colored ;  four 
lines  in  diameter.  From  the  posterior  angle  of  the  eye  a  cuti- 
cular  fold  extends  just  over  the  tympanum,  along  the  edge  of 
the  back  on  each  side,  to  the  posterior  part  of  the  body. 

Anterior  feet  fawn  colored  above,  with  several  indistinct 
transverse  brownish  bands  ;  a  dark  colored  band  along  the  pos- 
terior edge  of  the  leg,  extending  on  to  the  sole  of  the  foot. 
Feet  four  toed. 

Posterior  extremities  of  a  darker  brown  color  than  the  an- 
terior ;  thighs  with  indistinct  bars  upon  their  outer  portions ; 
buttocks  covered  over  their  whole  surface  with  irregularly  dis- 
tributed black  blotches  ;  beneath,  a  dull  white  ;  legs  and  feet, 
same  color  as  the  extremities  of  the  thighs.  Feet  five  toed. 


R.     halecina.     Kalm.      The  Leopard  Frog. 

Shaw's  Gen.  Zoology,  vol.  iii.  p.  105. 

Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  v.  p.  337. 

N.  A.  Herpet.  vol.  i.  p.  89,  et  fig. 

This  most  beautiful  species,  called  by  Kalm  the  shad  frog, 
from  its  appearing  in  Pennsylvania  in  the  spring  of  the  year, 
with  the  shad,  is  better  known  in  this  state  as  the  leopard  frog, 
from  its  ocellated  appearance.  It  is  exceedingly  well  marked, 
and  considered  by  all  a  very  pretty  animal. 

The  upper  part  of  the  back,  and  external  side  of  the  limbs, 
brassy,  with  a  metallic  lustre.  Upper  surface  of  the  body, 
marked  with  large  distinct  irregular  spots  or  blotches  which 


238  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

have  a  brownish  centre,  a  black  circumference  blending  with 
each  other,  and  a  bright  green  halo  ;  generally  there  are  two 
longitudinal  rows  of  these  blotches,  which  are  continued  the 
whole  length  of  the  body  ;  sometimes  these  spots  are  very 
regular,  at  other  times,  a  third  row  may  be  seen,  or  the  two 
will  have  become  confluent  at  their  inner  sides,  or  the  spots 
in  the  same  row  will  have  united  with  each  other.  Throat 
and  abdomen  white.  Eyes  prominent ;  pupils  black  ;  irides 
golden.  On  each  side  of  the  back,  an  elevated  bronze  colored 
ridge  passes  from  the  eyes  to  near  the  extremity  of  the  body. 
A  similar,  but  smaller  ridge  runs  from  the  anterior  angle  of  the 
eye  to  the  snout.  On  the  outer  side  of  the  thighs,  legs  and 
tarsus,  the  blotches  are  long,  irregular,  but  arranged  transverse- 
ly, having  the  appearance  of  bands.  Buttocks  and  posterior 
surface  of  the  thighs  granulated  and  mottled  with  black. 
Upper  surface  of  the  body  finely  corrugated  with  several 
irregular  cuticular  folds,  arranged  longitudinally  on  the  back. 
Throat  and  belly  smooth.  Feet  palmated  ;  the  fourth  toe 
much  larger  than  the  others.  All  the  fingers  and  toes  with 
tubercles  on  the  inner  surface  of  the  joints.  The  body  of  this 
species  seldom  exceeds  four  inches  in  length. 

This  frog  is  generally  found  in  damp  places,  a  short  distance 
from  water  ;  although,  being  a  great  leaper  and  hence  enabled 
to  reach  its  wonted  situations  with  ease,  it  is  occasionally  met 
with  at  considerable  distance  from  any  pond  or  brook. 


R.     palustris.     Leconte.      The  Pickerel  Frog. 

Ann.  Lye.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  282. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  105. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  vol.  i.  p.  93. 

Although  Leconte  applied  the  specific  name  of  "palus- 
to this  quite  common  species,  on  account  of  its  being 
found  near  salt  marshes,  it  is  as  frequently,  in  this  vicinity  at 
least,  met  with  about  the  margins  of  fresh  water  brooks  and 
ponds,  as  in  any  other  situations.  It  is  a  prettily  marked  spe- 
cies, but  much  less  brilliant  in  its  colors  than  the  preceding. 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  239 

The  largest  specimen  I  have  met  with,  measured  three  in- 
ches in  length ;  and  the  posterior  extremities  were  four  inches 
and  a  half  long.  Color  above,  cinereous  ;  abdomen  white  ;  in- 
terior of  the  limbs  and  lower  part  of  the  flanks,  yellow.  Upon 
the  back,  two  longitudinal  rows  of  dark  brown  spots,  which 
are  generally  square,  sometimes  nearly  circular  ;  in  some  spe- 
cimens, these  become  confluent  and  produce  an  elongated 
band ;  in  the  same  specimens,  both  square  and  circular  spots 
may  occasionally  be  observed.  Between  the  back  and  sides, 
a  broad  yellowish  brown  band  is  seen,  commencing  at  the 
eyes,  and  extending  the  length  of  the  body.  Two  rows  of 
smaller  spots  of  a  similar  appearance  with  those  on  the  back 
and  sides.  Snout,  pointed.  Eyes  rather  prominent ;  pupils, 
black  ;  irides,  golden.  Tympanum,  small,  color  of  the  back  ; 
a  dark  colored  line  extends  from  the  snout  to  the  eyes,  a  round- 
ish spot  on  the  upper  and  inner  side  of  each  orbit,  one  on  the 
top  of  the  head,  and  a  smaller  one  below  each  nostril.  Thighs, 
legs,  and  tarsus,  striped  transversely  with  broad  dark  bands  or 
oblong  spots  ;  arms  irregularly  spotted.  Back,  smooth  ;  flanks 
slightly  tuberculated  ;  buttocks,  granulated ;  fleshy  tubercles 
on  the  lower  surface  of  the  toes  at  the  joints. 


R.     sylvatica.     Leconte.      The  Wood  Frog. 

Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  282. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  vol.  i.  p.  95,  et  fig. 

This  beautiful  species  is  not  often  met  with,  inhabiting  as  it 
does  damp  and  thick  woods  ;  occasionally  it  is  seen  at  a  great 
distance  from  any  water,  and  is  very  difficult  to  be  taken  on 
account  of  its  agility  in  leaping.  It  is  rather  smaller  than  the 
" palustris"  and  presents  the  following  characters  :  above,  of  a 
reddish  brown  color,  resembling  a  dried  dead  leaf ;  sides,  varie- 
gated with  green  and  yellow  ;  abdomen,  white  ;  under  part  of 
the  arms  and  posterior  extremities,  lighter  colored  than  the  back. 
Snout,  blunted.  Eyes,  prominent ;  pupils,  black  ;  irides,  gol- 
den. A  broad  black  band,  narrow  at  its  origin,  wider  at  its 


240  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

posterior  portion,  extends  from  the  snout  to  the  shoulder :  this 
band  passes  through  the  centre  of  the  eye,  including  within  it, 
the  tympanum  ;  margining  the  lower  edge  of  this  band,  is  a 
deep  yellow  line  running  its  whole  extent.  Extremities  above, 
rather  lighter  than  the  back  ;  the  anterior  extremities  are  sel- 
dom banded  ;  the  posterior  extremities,  crossed  by  transverse 
dark  colored  bands.  Anterior  extremities,  four  toed  ;  posterior, 
five  toed. 

Like  the  three  preceding  species,  this  frog  feeds  principally 
upon  insects. 


HYLODES.     Fitzinger. 

Generic  characters.  Mouth  furnished  with  a  tongue,  teeth 
in  the  superior  maxillary  and  palatine  bones ;  tympanum, 
visible ;  extremities  slender,  tips  of  the  fingers  and  toes  ter- 
minating in  slightly  developed  tubercles. 

H.     Pickeringii.     Pickering's  Hy lodes. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  vol.  iii. 

Rev.  John  L.  Russell,  of  Salem,  showed  me  the  only  spe- 
cimen of  this  species  I  have  ever  seen,  which  was  captured  by 
Dr.  Nichols,  in  Danvers.  Having  no  opportunity  to  describe 
it  myself,  I  extract  the  following  account  from  the  pages  of 
the  "  Journal  of  the  Essex  County  Natural  History  Society." 

"  Above,  fawn  color,  changeable  to  dark  cinereous  ;  marked 
with  two  transverse  narrow  black  lines,  forming  a  cross,  and 
an  irregular  narrow  line  on  each  side,  producing,  with  the  other 
lines,  a  general  rhomboidal  configuration  ;  a  large  triangular 
spot  on  the  back  of  the  head,  formed  by  the  junction  of  lines 
proceeding  from  the  centre  of  the  irides  ;  a  spot  at  the  inser- 
tion of  the  fore  legs  ;  a  pale  yellowish  line  margined  with 
black,  bounds  the  back  part  of  the  fore  and  hind  legs  ;  an  ir- 
regular spot  on  the  extremity  of  the  rump ;  beneath,  granulated 
on  the  abdomen,  legs  and  thighs  ;  a  character  also  perceptible 
in  some  degree,  on  the  upper  surface.  Head  rather  obtuse  ; 


REPTILES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS,  241 

lower  lip  whitish  ;  throat,  clavicle,  and  auricles,  minutelylspot- 
ted  with,  black  dots  ;  irides  golden  copper.  When  resting  on 
a  dark  substance,  it  changes  at  pleasure  to  a  dark  ashen  hue, 
the  lines  becoming  black  and  prominent,  and  the  spots  on  the 
head  and  rump  very  perceptible,  as  also  the  transverse  bars  o;i 
the  upper  surface  of  the  legs.  Length  of  the  body  from  the 
snout,  to  the  vent,  one  inch  j  of  hinder  thighs  and  legs,  each 
half  an  inch ;  of  tarsus  and  toes,  seven  tenths  of  an  inch  ;  of 
the  largest  toe,  four  tenths  of  an  inch.  Whole  length  of  the 
fore  legs,  half  an  inch." 


HYLA.     Laurenti. 

Generic  characters.  Body  in  general  elongated  ;  upper  jaw 
and  palate  furnished  with  teeth  ;  tympanum  apparent ;  no 
post  tympanal  glands ;  fingers  long,  and  with  the  toes  ter- 
minating in  rounded  viscous  pellets. 

H.     versicolor.     Le  Conte.      The  common  Tree  Toad. 

Ann.  Lye.  N.Y.  vol.  i.  p.  281. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  109. 

As  the  tree  toadj  this  species  is  commonly  known  through- 
out New  England,  from  the  circumstance  of  its  being  more 
generally  found  upon  trees  than  in  any  other  situation ;  its 
color  conceals  it  admirably,  and  it  often  eludes  a  careful  search 
on  account  of  its  similarity  to  the  object  upon  which  it  may 
be  resting.  A  specimen  two  inches  in  length,  exhibits  the 
following  appearances.  Above,  of  a  light  ash  color,  with  a 
brownish  cruciform  marking  between  the  shoulders,  and 
smaller  irregularly  formed  blotches  distributed  over  various 
parts  of  the  back  j  beneath,  white,  granulated,  with  a  yellow- 
ish tint  at  the  posterior  portion  of  the  sides.  Head,  broad  ; 
snout,  blunt.  Eyes,  large  ;  pupils,  black  ;  irides,  golden.  Ex- 
tremities ash  colored  above.  Anterior  extremities  with  a  small 
number  of  brown  markings  ;  beneath,  white  and  brownish  ; 
four  fingers  free,  terminating  in  pellets.  Posterior  extremities 
31 


242  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

transversely  barred ;  beneath,  granulated,  yellowish  white,  be- 
coming yellow  near  the  abdomen  and  upon  the  legs  ;  five  toes, 
terminating,  like  the  fingers,  in  pellets. 

An  acrid  secretion  protects  the  skin  of  this  species  from  its 
enemies.     Its  principal  food  is  insects. 


H.     squirella.     Bosc.      The  little  peeping  Hyla. 

Ann.  Lye.  N.  Y.  vol.  i.  p.  279. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  107. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  vol  i.  p.  105. 

The  only  specimen  I  have  seen  of  this  species  was  in  a  dried 
state ;  its  colors  were  destroyed  and  its  proportions  much 
changed  from  life.  I  have  therefore  no  hesitation  in  copying 
the  description  and  observations  of  my  friend,  Dr.  Holbrook, 
as  published  in  the  first  volume  of  his  "  North  American  Her- 
petology  :" 

"  Characters.  Body  olive  green  above,  marked  with  dark 
brown  blotches  irregularly  disposed  ;  a  transverse  dusky  band 
between  the  orbits ;  whitish  beneath  and  granulated  j  head 
short,  with  a  white  line  extending  along  the  upper  lip  to  the 
shoulders. 

Description.  The  head  is  short,  with  a  dark  band  be- 
tween the  orbits,  the  line  from  each  orbit  being  directed  back- 
wards so  as  to  meet  at  an  angle  ;  the  snout  is  obtuse,  with  an 
indistinct  dark  band  extending  from  the  nostrils  to  the  eyes, 
below  which  is  a  white  line  along  the  margin  of  the  upper 
lip,  reaching  to  the  shoulder  ;  the  lower  jaw  is  almost  white  ; 
the  nostrils  are  placed  near  the  extremity  of  the  snout ;  the 
eyes  are  prominent  j  the  pupils  black  ;  the  irides  golden  j  the 
tympanum  is  bronzed  and  surrounded  by  an  indistinct  circle  of 
dark  brown.  The  skin  is  smooth ;  the  body  short  and  de- 
pressed while  living ;  the  back  is  olive  green,  with  irregular 
blotches  of  darker  olive  ;  the  flanks  are  gray.  The  inferior 
surface  of  the  body  is  granulated,  greenish  white  in  front,  with 
a  few  dark  spots  at  the  throat ;  the  posterior  part  of  the  abdo- 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  243 

men  is  darker.  The  anterior  extremities  are  olive  green  above, 
with  occasional  spots  of  brown,  and  flesh  colored  beneath ;  the 
fingers  are  four  in  number,  distinct,  and  each  terminating  in  a 
viscous  pellet.  The  posterior  extremities  are  long,  green 
above,  obscurely  blended  with  dark  brown,  and  flesh  colored 
beneath,  tinged  with  yellow  externally  •  the  lower  surface  of 
the  thigh  is  granulated ;  the  toes  are  five  in  number,  and  semi- 
palmated. 

Dimensions.  Length  of  the  body  and  head,  1  1-4  inches  ; 
of  the  thigh,  4-5ths  of  an  inch  ;  of  the  leg,  4-5ths  of  an  inch  ; 
of  the  tarsus  and  toes,  9-10ths  of  an  inch. 

Geographical  distribution.  Its  most  northern  limit  must  be 
considered  as  lat.  34°  ;  we  have  no  evidence  of  its  being  found 
farther  north.  It  abounds  in  South  Carolina,  Georgia  and 
Florida  ;  how  far  west  of  these  States  it  may  exist  cannot  at 
present  be  determined. 

Habits.  This  animal  is  found  on  trees,  often  seeking  shel- 
ter under  the  bark  of  such  as  are  decaying ;  it  frequently 
chooses  old  logs  for  its  place  of  hybernation.  In  fine  weather 
and  after  showers,  it  climbs  even  the  highest  trees  in  search  of 
insects. 

General  remarks.  The  colors  of  this  animal  are  even  more 
changeable  than  in  any  species  with  which  I  am  acquainted. 
I  have  seen  it  pass  in  a  few  moments  from  a  light  green,  un- 
spotted and  as  intense  as  that  of  Hyla  lateralis,  to  ash  color, 
and  to  a  dull  brown  with  darker  spots ;  the  spots  also  at  times 
taking  on  different  tints  from  the  general  surface.  The  mark- 
ings, too,  vary  exceedingly  in  different  individuals,  the  white 
line  on  the  upper  lip  and  the  band  between  the  orbits  alone 
presenting  some  constancy.  Daudin  remarks  that  the  leg  is 
"  shorter  than  the  thigh ;"  we  have  found  them  nearly  equal 
in  length,  and  this  character  is  by  no  means  so  conspicuous  as 
in  H.  versicolor. 

Daudin  first  described  this  animal,  and  gave  a  figure  of  it, 
from  a  drawing  furnished  him  by  Bosc.  Leconte  has  given 
the  latest  and  most  detailed  account  of  it,  establishing  three 


244  REPTILES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

principal  varieties,  in  one  of  which  the  spots,  as  well  as  the 
yellow  on  the  thighs,  disappear  altogether." 

The  specimen  I  possess  was  captured  in  Roxbury. 


BUFO.     Laurenti. 

Generic  characters.  Head,  short ;  jaws  without  teeth  ;  tym- 
panum visible  ;  behind  the  ear  is  a  large  glandular  tumour, 
having  visible  pores  ;  body  short,  thick,  swollen,  covered  with 
warts  or  papillae  ;  posterior  extremities  but  slightly  elongated. 

B.     Americanus.      The  common  Toad. 

Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  109. 
N.  A.  Herpetol.  vol.  i.  p.  75. 

This  very  common  species  is  beginning  to  be  looked  upon 
by  the  horticulturalist  in  the  light  of  a  benefactor,  and  by  many 
is  carefully  preserved  on  their  grounds  for  the  benefits  it  af- 
fords them  by  feeding  upon  noxious  insects. 

A  fine  specimen,  three  inches  in  length,  furnishes  the  follow- 
ing description  :  Greatest  width,  two  inches.  Body,  brown- 
ish, mottled  with  black  blotches ;  its  whole  upper  surface  cov- 
ered with  prominent  tubercles ;  those  upon  the  back, 
larger  ;  beneath,  granulated,  yellowish,  sprinkled  with  black 
spots.  Head  large  ;  superciliary  ridges  prominent ;  tympanum 
small,  light  colored,  with  an  irregular  darker  colored  black 
marking  within  its  circumference.  Mouth,  large.  Post 
tympanal  glands  large,  equal  in  length  to  the  distance  between 
them.  Eyes  large  ;  pupils  black ;  irides  beautifully  reticula- 
ted with  black  and  golden  ;  eyelids  tuberculated.  Between 
the  eyes,  on  the  top  of  the  head,  a  yellowish  white  line  com- 
mences, which  terminates  at  the  posterior  extremity  of  the 
body. 

The  extremities  above,  of  the  same  color  as  the  back ;  be- 
neath, the  color  of  the  abdomen.  A  few  small  dark  colored 
blotches  upon  the  anterior  extremities  ;  larger  spots,  sometimes 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  245 

transverse,  upon  the  posterior.  Fingers  four  in  number,  short, 
free.  Toes  five  in  number,  semipalmated ;  the  second,  much  the 
longest ;  a  large  tubercle  beneath,  resembles  somewhat  a  sixth 
toe. 


SALAMANDRA.     Brogniart. 

Generic  characters.  Body  elongated ;  tail  long ;  extremi- 
ties four  ;  fingers  four  ;  toes  five  ;  no  tympanum  ;  numerous 
small  teeth  in  the  jaws  and  palate  ;  tongue  as  in  frogs  ;  no 
sternum  ;  ribs  rudimental ;  pelvis  suspended  by  ligaments. 

S.     erythronota.     Green.       The  red-backed  Salamander. 

Journal  A  cad.  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  356. 
Harlari's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  95. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  vol.  iii.  p.  133,  et  fig. 

This  beautiful  and  quite  common  species  presents  the  follow- 
ing characters.  My  description  is  drawn  up  from  a  specimen 
between  three  and  four  inches  in  length.  Tail  rather  shorter 
than  the  body,  cylindrical,  gradually  tapering  to  a  sharp  point. 
On  the  upper  part  of  the  body,  a  broad  band  of  a  reddish  brown 
color,  sprinkled  with  brown  spots,  extending  from  the  snout  to 
the  extremity  of  the  tail,  being  less  marked  however  upon  the 
latter.  Beneath,  cinereous ;  much  darker  upon  the  sides. 
Throat  whitish,  having  a  distinct  fold.  Upper  part  of  the 
head  and  tail,  and  also  the  sides  of  the  body,  presenting  under 
the  microscope,  a  beautiful  metallic  lustre.  Head  wider  than 
the  body,  three  lines  in  length,  one  and  a  half  lines  in  width. 
Eyes  very  prominent  ;  pupils  black  ;  irides  metallic-colored. 
Anterior  feet  with  four  toes  ;  posterior,  five  toed. 

The  motions  of  this  species  are  very  agile  ;  walking  rapidly 
when  undisturbed,  and  running  by  sudden  and  irregular  jerks 
when  taken.  I  kept  specimens  alive  several  weeks  by  allow- 
ing them  dead  leaves,  which  were  constantly  kept  moistened. 
From  correspondents,  I  have  received  them  from  Cambridge, 
Roxbury,  Milton  and  Amherst,  at  which  places  they  were  found 
under  stones  arid  decayed  wood. 


246  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

S.     symmetrica.      Harlan.      The  symmetrical  Salamander. 

Journal  Acad.  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  v.  p.  158. 
N.  A.  Herpetol.  vol.  ii.  p.  59,  et  fig. 

The  fine  specimens  before  me  of  this  species,  were  found  at 
Amherst,  under  decaying  wood  and  leaves,  by  Professor  Adams. 

Length,  three  inches  ;  tail,  the  length  of  the  body,  circular 
at  the  base,  compressed  towards  the  extremity.  Whole  upper 
part  of  the  body,  of  a  salmon  brown  color ;  on  each  side  of  the 
spine,  from  three  to  seven  small  ocellated  spots  of  a  beautiful  ver- 
million  color,  surrounded  by  a  black  areola  ;  skin  above,  covered 
with  innumerable  very  minute  tubercles,  scarcely  discernible 
without  a  glass,  giving  it  a  rough  appearance.  Beneath,  of  a 
golden  orange  color,  sprinkled  with  minute  black  points,  from 
the  tip  of  the  chin  to  the  very  extremity  of  the  tail.  Head 
three  lines  long,  two  wide,  flattened ;  two  longitudinal  very 
obvious  ridges,  the  length  of  the  head,  between  the  eyes. 
Eyes,  not  very  prominent,  of  a  deep  black  color,  with  a  bright 
golden  iris.  Snout,  obtuse.  Anterior  feet,  with  four  toes  ; 
posterior,  five  toed. 

In  young  specimens,  the  whole  back  is  covered  with  minute 
black  dots,  and  the  sides  have  fewer  ocellated  spots  than  in  the 
adult.  The  largest  specimen  in  my  possession,  has  seven  ocel- 
lated spots  on  each  side ;  in  different  specimens,  these  spots 
vary  in  number  ;  but  in  all  the  specimens  I  have  seen,  an 
equal  number  exists  on  each  side  of  the  spine,  in  the  same  speci- 
men. 

The  motions  of  this  species  are  much  less  rapid  than  those 
of  the  "  erythronota"  It  casts  its  skin  in  June.  In  the  stom- 
ach of  this  species  are  found  spiders,  and  detached  portions  of 
insects. 

Dr.  Holbrook  has  received  this  species  from  Florida  ;  and  J. 
W.  Randall,  M.  D.  of  this  city,  brought  me  specimens  from 
Hallowell,  Maine. 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  247 


S.    fasdata.     Green.      The  banded  Salamander. 

Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  350. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  94. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  vol.  iii.  p.  103,  et  fig. 

The  beautiful  living  specimen,  from  which  my  description  is 
made,  was  found  by  Professor  Hitchcock,  at  Monson,  and  kind- 
ly transmitted  to  me. 

Its  length  is  five  inches  ;  length  of  the  tail  equal  to  that  of 
the  body ;  oval  at  its  anterior  portion,  slightly  compressed  in 
its  middle,  and  pointed  at  its  posterior  extremity.  Upper  part 
of  the  body,  of  a  light  clay  or  ash  color,  with  transverse  dark 
brown  bands  extending  from  the  head  to  the  extremity  of  the 
tail.  Whole  under  portion  of  the  body,  of  a  dark  slate  color. 

Width  of  the  head,  equal  to  one  half  its  length.  Eyes  prom- 
inent ;  pupils,  black ;  irides,  color  of  the  abdomen.  Snout, 
rounded.  Anterior  feet,  four  toed  ;  posterior,  five  toed. 

Some  of  the  bands  in  my  specimen  are  confluent. 

This  is  the  only  individual  I  have  seen,  and  therefore  think 
it  must  be  a  rare  species  with  us. 


S.     venenosa.     Barton.      The  violet-colored  Salamander. 

Daud.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Kept.  t.  viii.  p.  229. 
Trans,  of  Amer.  Phil.  Soc.  vol.  vi.  et  fig. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  93. 
N.  A.  Herpetol.  vol.  iii.  p.  105,  et  fig. 

Dr.  Barton's  account  of  this,  our  earliest  described  Salamander, 
which  is  exceedingly  interesting,  is  contained  in  the  "  Transac- 
tions of  the  American  Philosophical  Society."  His  specimen, 
was  six  inches  and  eight  tenths  of  an  inch  in  length.  It  grows 
to  a  larger  size  even  than  this. 

The  specimen  upon  my  table,  is  five  inches  in  length  ;  tail, 
two  and  a  half  inches  long,  cylindrical  at  the  base,  compressed  to- 
wards the  extremity.  All  the  upper  part  of  the  body,  of  a  dark 


248  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

purple  color.  On  each  side  of  the  dorsal  line,  a  longitudinal 
row  of  oval,  circular  and  oblong  spots  of  a  bright  yellow  color, 
varying  in  size ;  these  spots  commence  on  the  back  part  of  the 
head,  and  are  continued  towards  the  extremity  of  the  tail, 
where  they  become  single.  Smaller  spots  of  the  same  color  on 
the  legs  and  feet,  and  above  one  of  the  eyes.  Beneath,  the 
body  is  of  a  lighter  color,  with  a  great  number  of  very  minute 
white  dots.  Length  of  the  head,  two  thirds  of  an  inch  ;  width 
across,  half  an  inch.  Eyes,  of  a  deep  black  color,  and  very 
prominent.  A  strongly  marked  cuticular  fold  around  the  throat. 

The  above  described  specimen  was  found  in  Roxbury. 

In  another  individual,  found  by  Professor  Adams,  at  New 
Bedford,  three  inches  in  length,  a  row  of  small  yellow  spots, 
resembling  a  broken  line,  partially  encircles  the  eyes ;  in  this 
specimen,  the  abdomen  is  destitute  of  the  small  white  points  so 
perceptible  in  the  preceding  specimen,  but  its  sides  are  covered 
with  them. 

A  specimen  of  this  species  was  brought  me  from  Kennebec 
county,  Maine,  by  J.  W.  Randall,  M.  D. 


S.     salmonea.     Nobis.      The  salmon-color ed£>alamander. 
N.  A.  Herpetol.  vol.  iii.  p.  101,  et  fig. 

The  specimen  described  by  me  in  Holbrook's  "  American 
Herpetology,"  was  found  by  Dr.  Binney,  in  Vermont :  but  as  Dr. 
Holbrook  says  an  individual  of  this  species  has  been  "  found  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Danvers,  Massachusetts,"  I  can  have  no 
hesitation  in  admitting  it  in  this  report. 

Length,  six  and  a  half  inches  ;  length  of  the  tail,  two  and  a 
half  inches ;  compressed,  carinated  above,  gradually  tapering 
to  a  point.  Whole  upper  part  of  the  body,  head,  tail  and  legs, 
of  a  yellowish  brown  color  ;  the  sides  of  the  head,  neck,  body, 
tail  and  legs,  of  a  salmon  color.  The  entire  surface  of  all  the 
upper  portion,  as  well  as  sides,  spotted  with  irregular  grayish 


REPTILES  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  249 

markings,  which  are  more  obvious  on  the  lighter  colored  sides. 
Beneath,  the  head  and  body  white  ;  light  salmon  color  beneath 
the  tail. 

Head,  one  inch  in  length  j  width  of  the  head,  back  of  the 
eyes,  four  lines  ;  snout,  very  obtuse  ;  nostrils,  rather  small ;  a 
strongly  marked  cuticular  fold  upon  the  neck.  Eyes,  remote, 
and  very  prominent ;  pupils,  deep  black,  with  a  metallic,  cop- 
per-colored iris  ;  from  the  edge  of  the  upper  lip,  just  exterior  to 
the  nostrils,  arises  a  salmon-colored  line  about  a  fourth  of  a 
line  in  width,  which  runs  back  to  the  inner  angle  of  the  eye, 
and  passing  up  over  the  eye  loses  itself  upon  the  middle  of  the 
back  part. 

This  species  was  found  upon  moist  land.  It  lived  a  year  in 
confinement,  and  appeared  perfectly  healthy,  eating  vora- 
ciously of  flies. 


S.     dorsalis.     Harlan.      The  many  spotted  Salamander. 

Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  vi.  p.  101. 
Harl.  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  99. 
N.  A.  Herpet.  v.  ii.  p.  57,  et  fig. 

From  Roxbury  and  Amherst  I  have  received  numerous 
specimens  of  this  species  by  the  aid  of  Professor  Adams, 
and  my  brother-in-law  Dr.  Brewer.  An  individual  three  in- 
ches and  three  lines  in  length,  exhibits  the  following  charac- 
ters. Tail  rather  longer  than  the  body.  Body,  above,  dark  olive, 
and  granulated  as  in  the  "  symmetrica  ;"  lighter  on  the  sides. 
All  the  upper  part  of  the  body,  together  with  the  feet,  to  the 
extremities  of  the  toes  and  tail,  sprinkled  with  innumerable 
black  points.  Beneath  the  body,  the  legs,  and  tail,  of  a  sulphur 
color,  darker  under  the  tail,  and  tinged  with  olive  ;  similar  black 
points  with  those  above,  are  spread  over  the  surface  beneath, 
which  in  some  specimens  are  much  larger  than  in  the  "  symme- 
trical Eyes  prominent ;  pupils  and  irides  similar  to  those  of  the 
"  symmetrical  Tail  very  much  compressed  in  its  whole  length, 
carinated  above  and  beneath.  Vent  very  prominent.  Anterior 
32 


250  REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

feet  with  four  toes  ;  posterior  five  toed.  Ocellated  spots  of  a 
similar  color  with  those  on  the  "  symmetrical  but  smaller,  are 
arranged  on  each  side  of  the  spine  ;  these  spots  vary  in  number 
on  the  two  sides ;  thus,  of  the  eight  living  specimens  before  me, 
of  nearly  the  same  size,  but  three  have  five  of  these  spots  on 
each  side ;  the  others  have  three  and  four  and  six  and  seven 
on  one  side,  with  five  on  the  other ;  and  one  specimen  has 
nine  on  one  side,  eleven  on  the  other,  with  a  single  line  with 
one  similar  spot  beneath  this  line  on  the  side,  and  still  another 
beneath,  on  the  edge  of  the  yellow  abdomen. 

All  the  specimens  I  have  seen  were  taken  in  brooks.  In  the 
stomachs  of  several  individuals,  were  found  fragments  of  the 
genera  "  Lymnea"  and  "  Physa."  I  have  kept  these  animals 
for  months,  they  seeming  to  thrive  very  well  by  a  daily  supply 
of  fresh  water,  and  a  sufficient  quantity  of  flies  which  they 
seize  by  a  sudden  spring,  and  swallow  by  several  continued 
efforts.  This  species  casts  its  exuvia  in  June,  and  the  new 
cuticle  is  in  all  respects  similar  to  the  former. 

In  the  "  Journal  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences" 
Harlan  describes  a  salamander  which  he  calls  "dorsalis"  some 
of  the  specific  characters  of  which,  are  "  a  whitish  dorsal  line 
extending  from  the  occiput  over  the  tail  j  a  row  of  whitish 
colored  oblong  spots  on  each  side  of  the  dorsal  line  ;  beneath, 
freckled  with  black  dots." 

Not  meeting  with  any  description  which  agreed  with  the 
species  I  have  just  described,  two  years  since  I  read  an  account 
of  it  before  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History,  under  the 
name  of  "  S.  millepunctata"  My  friend,  Dr.  Holbrook,  while 
examining,  with  me,  the  last  season,  the  reptiles  belonging  to 
the  above  mentioned  Society,  assured  me  he  had  seen  the 
specimen  in  Philadelphia  originally  described  by  Harlan,  and 
that  it  was  the  same  species  that  I  had  supposed  new.  How 
Harlan  could  have  made  such  a  description  as  he  has  from  this 
species,  it  is  difficult  to  imagine.  He  must  have  described  a 
specimen  preserved  in  spirits,  else  he  could  not  have  seen 
"  a  row  of  whitish  colored  oblong  spots  on  each  side  of  the 
dorsal  line  ;"  but  even  alcohol  could  not  produce  "  a  whitish 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  251 

dorsal  line,"  where  no  defined  line  existed,  of  any  color,  in  life. 
Dr.  Holbrook's  second  volume  of  his  "  North  American  Her- 
petology"  containing  a  description  of  the  "  S.  dorsalis"  has, 
within  a  few  months,  issued  from  the  press.  Was  I  governed 
by  his  description,  which  makes  no  mention  of  the  innumera- 
ble black  dots  above,  which  cover  its  entire  upper  as  well  as 
under  surface  in  every  individual  of  whatever  age  I  have  met 
with  ;  or  his  plate,  which  corresponds  with  it,  I  might  be  in- 
duced to  disbelieve  the  identity  of  our  species  ;  but  preferring 
to  think  the  omission  may  have  been  accidental,  I  would  yield 
my  doubts  to  the  conviction  of  that  distinguished  herpetologist. 


S.    picta.     Harlan.      The  painted  Salamander. 

Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  v.  p.  136. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  98. 

I  have  never  met  with  this  species ;  but  Dr.  Pickering,  of 
Philadelphia,  informed  me,  some  time  since,  that  a  specimen 
belonged  to  the  cabinet  of  the  "  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences" 
which  was  found  in  a  well  at  Ipswich  in  this  State  ;  I  there- 
fore extract  from  the  Journal  of  the  Academy,  Harlan's  de- 
scription of  the  species : 

"  Body  blackish  or  dark  slate  color  above,  yellowish  or  light 
orange  color  beneath  ;  skin  beneath  the  neck,  folded  ;  head 
large  ;  legs  strong  ;  tail  compressed  at  its  inferior  portion 
nearly  the  length  of  the  body. 

Dimensions.  Total  length  nearly  four  inches  ;  body  rather 
more  than  two  inches  ;  tail  less  than  two  inches  ;  length  of  the 
head  six  tenths  ;  breadth  five  tenths  ;  length  of  the  hind  legs 
six  tenths ;  of  the  fore  legs  four  tenths. 

Description.  Head  large,  rather  flat  ;  occiput  broad,  slightly 
protuberant ;  snout  obtuse,  rounded  anteriorly  ;  rictus  of  the 
mouth  wide,  extending  posteriorly  to  the  eyes ;  anterior  bor- 
ders of  the  lips  slightly  undulating  ;  skin  of  the  throat  folded, 
so  as  to  form  a  collar  nearly  surrounding  the  neck;  body 
above,  blackish;  a  longitudinal  furrow  extending  from  the 


252  REPTILES  OF    MASSACHUSETTS. 

occiput  along  the  back  to  the  base  of  the  tail ;  inferior  portion 
of  the  body  obsoletely  punctured  with  dark  spots,  more  visible 
on  the  sides ;  legs  short,  strong,  and  thick,  externally  of  the 
color  of  the  back ;  internally  of  the  color  of  the  belly ;  tail 
subquadrangular  for  the  first  two  thirds ;  the  remainder  or  in- 
ferior portion  abruptly  compressed,  pointed,  with  the  superior 
and  inferior  borders  carinate." 


S.     glutinosa.     Green.      The  blue  spotted  Salamander. 

Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  357. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res.  p.  94. 

The  only  specimen  I  have  seen,  was  sent  me  from  An- 
dover  by  Mr.  Alonzo  Gray.  It  continued  alive  for  several 
weeks,  and  presented  the  following  characters : 

Length,  six  inches.  Whole  upper  part  of  the  body,  of  a 
very  dark  brown  thickly  sprinkled  with  distinct  light  blue 
spots.  Sides  appearing  quite  light  colored  from  the  blue  spots 
having  become  confluent.  Abdomen  lighter  colored  than  the 
back,  exhibiting  the  spots  more  numerous  and  distinct  than 
the  back.  Head,  three  quarters  of  an  inch  long  ;  nearly  half 
an  inch  wide,  flattened  above.  Eyes  very  prominent ;  of  a 
deep  black  color,  widely  separated  from  each  other.  Nostrils 
rather  small.  Legs,  color  of  the  body,  and  spotted  like  it. 
Anterior  feet,  four  toed  ;  posterior,  five  toed,  and  unusually 
long.  Tail,  length  of  the  body ;  much  compressed  through- 
out its  whole  extent,  save  the  extremities,  the  anterior  of 
which  is  circular,  the  posterior  pointed. 


S.     maculata.     Green.      The  brown  spotted  Salamander. 

Journal  Academy  Nat.  Sciences,  vol.  i.  p.  350. 
Harlan's  Med.  and  Phys.  Res,  p.  96. 

The  only  specimen  of  this  species  I  have  seen  was  brought 
me  by  John  W.  Randall,  M.  D.,  of  this  city,  who  found  it  in 
a  pond  in  Groton.  This  is  quite  a  young  specimen,  being 


REPTILES  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  253 

only  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  and  having  the  branchiae  still 
attached ;  and  as  its  colors  have  somewhat  changed  in  the 
alcohol ,  I  extract  Green's  description  from  the  Journal  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy.  "  Length,  four  or  five  inches ;  tail 
about  as  long  as  the  body,  tapering,  slightly  compressed,  and 
pointed  ;  snout  rounded  ;  back  whitish,  sprinkled  with  irregu- 
lar, reddish  brown  spots ;  beneath  white  j  anterior  feet,  four 
toed,  posterior  feet  five  toed. 

NOTE.  Individuals  of  this  species  vary  much  in  size,  and  in 
the  number  of  spots.  I  have  one  about  three  inches  long,  with 
the  tail  more  compressed  and  obtuse,  than  the  above." 

All  the  Salamanders  here  described,  feed  upon  insects,  which 
they  devour  in.  very  large  numbers,  and  hence  their  utility 
cannot  be  questioned. 


REPORT 


ORNITHOLOGY    OF    MASSACHUSETTS 


WILLIAM    B.    O.    PEABODY. 


•ft. 


To  His  EXCELLENCY  EDWARD  EVERETT, 

Governor  of  Massachusetts  : 

SIR, — 

In  some  remarks  which  I  had  the  honor  to  submit  to  you  on  a 
former  occasion,  when  I  offered  reasons  for  not  presenting  my  report 
at  the  time  first  proposed,  I  mentioned  that  the  history  and  habits  of 
our  birds  were  not  fully  understood,  and  that  experiments  and  observa- 
tions would  be  necessary  to  accomplish  all  the  objects  of  a  survey. 
These  will  be  suggested  in  the  course  of  my  report;  and  it  will  be 
obvious,  that,  were  I  so  situated  as  to  be  able  to  make  them,  it  could 
not  be  done  without  employing  in  it  several  successive  years.  I  there- 
fore respectfully  set  before  you  such  information  as  I  have,  trusting 
that  our  present  knowledge  will  soon  be  extended  by  the  active  and 
intelligent  observers,  who  are  engaged  in  this  delightful  study. 

One  object  proposed  is,  to  enumerate  the  birds  of  Massachusetts ; 
another,  to  give  what  information  we  possess  respecting  their  habits, 
particularly  such  as  cultivators  are  interested  to  know.  As  NuttalPs 
valuable  Manual  is  accessible  to  most  readers,  I  have  thought  it  better 
to  refer  to  him  for  descriptions  of  the  appearance  of  our  birds,  than  to 
swell  this  report  by  repeating  them.  For  the  same  reason,  I  shall  fol- 
low his  arrangement,  subjoining  to  my  account  of  each  bird  all  I  can 
learn  respecting  its  services  and  depredations ;  that  the  husbandman 
and  horticulturist  may  determine  which  it  is  his  interest  to  protect, 
and  which  he  has  a  right  to  destroy ;  or  rather,  whether  it  is  not  the 
part  of  wisdom  to  encourage  and  protect  them  all. 

With  respect  to  the  first  of  these  objects,  it  would  be  easy  to  give 
the  names  of  those  which  remain  with  us  throughout  the  year,  or  of 
those  which  come  to  us  in  their  regular  annual  migrations.  But  beside 
these,  there  are  some  which  make  their  appearance  at  uncertain  inter- 
vals, and  it  is  not  always  easy  to  determine  whether  they  should  or 
should  not  be  numbered  with  our  birds.  There  are  others  also,  which 
have  been  found  apparently  wandering  from  their  usual  ways,  but 
which,  having  come  to  us  once  or  twice,  may  do  so  again.  The 

'33 


258  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

proper  course  seemed  to  be,  to  give  the  names  of  all  which1Lhave  ever 
been  seen  here,  leaving  it  to  future  observation  to  determine  whether 
our  State  is  their  resting-place  or  their  home. 

In  explanation  of  the  difficulty  alluded  to,  I  may  mention  one  or  two 
facts  which  were  communicated  to  me  by  Dr.  Thomas  M.  Brewer  of 
Boston,  whose  unwearied  and  successful  researches  will  soon  extend 
our  knowledge  of  this  subject  much  beyond  its  present  bounds  ;  and  to 
whom,  in  connection  with  some  other  gentlemen,  whose  names  will 
appear  in  the  course  of  the  report,  I  am  happy  to  acknowledge  my 
great  obligations.  He  informs  me,  for  example,  that  a  PURPLE  GALLI- 
NULE,  Gallinula  martinica,  was  shot  in  Stoneham  on  the  27th  of  No- 
vember, 1837.  This  is  a  bird  belonging  to  tropical  America,  and 
usually  passes  its  winters  near  the  Gulf  of  Mexico ;  and  yet,  when 
taken,  instead  of  appearing  exhausted,  like  a  lost  wanderer  from  its 
usual  haunts,  it  was  in  good  flesh,  and  evidently  had  been  lately  feed- 
ing. Mr.  Cabot  also  states  that  a  FLORIDA  GALLINULE,  G.  galeata, 
was  shot  in  Fresh  Pond  several  years  ago.  This  last  incident  is  not 
wholly  unprecedented,  the  same  bird  having  been  found  near  Albany, 
in  the  state  of  New  York.  The  visit  of  the  beautiful  Purple  Galli- 
nule,  is,  I  believe,  entirely  without  example.  But  I  can  no  more  regard 
them  as  our  birds,  because  they  have  been  thus  found  once  or  twice 
within  our  borders,  than  I  can  regard  the  Stormy  Petrel  as  a  land  bird, 
from  the  circumstance  of  having  met  with  it  in  Springfield,  seventy 
miles  from  the  sea.  I  learn  also  from  Dr.  Brewer,  that  three  specimens 
of  the  LITTLE  CORPORAL,  Falco  temerarius,  were  lately  killed  in  Stone- 
ham  and  brought  to  the  Boston  market.  This  is  a  bird  discovered  by 
Audubon,  and  so  rare,  that  even  Nuttall  professed  to  know  nothing  of 
it  from  personal  observation.  The  same  gentleman  has  also  obtained 
in  Boston  harbor,  the  POMARINE  JAGER,  Larus  pomarinus,  a  bird  so 
rare,  that  the  indefatigable  Audubon  himself  never  encountered  it 
within  the  limits  of  the  United  States. 

It  is  well  known  that  some  birds,  for  obvious  or  unknown  reasons, 
change  their  favorite  resorts,  at  times  withdrawing  from  places  where 
they  have  been  common,  and  appearing  in  other  places  where  they 
have  not  been  seen  before.  Of  this  singular  migration,  the  CLIFF 
SWALLOW,  Hirundo  fulva,  is  a  remarkable  example.  It  is  well  known 
that  the  Chimney  swallow  came  from  the  wilderness  in  the  same  man- 
mer;  but  in  that  case,  the  reason  was  manifest;  it  was  because,  in 
cities  and  villages,  chimnies  are  always  to  be  had,  while  trees,  hollow 
from  the  top,  are  not  common,  even  in  our  ancient  woods.  No  simi- 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  259 

lar  reason  can  be  given  for  the  movement  of  the  Cliff  Swallow,  which 
has  emigrated  to  us  with  a  quarter  of  a  century,  and  is  now  the  most 
common  of  the  tribe  in  some  parts  of  the  State.  The  earliest  infor- 
mation I  have  of  its  appearance  in  New  England  is  from  Chief  Justice 
Shaw,  who  tells  me  that  he  found  it  at  the  White  Mountains,  in  the 
summer  of  1816.  In  the  case  of  birds  rarely  or  lately  found  among  us, 
I  can  only  offer  what  information  I  am  able  to  obtain,  and  must  leave 
it  to  the  reader  to  judge  for  himself,  whether  they  come  as  accidental 
wanderers,  as  spies  to  explore  the  country,  or  as  pioneers  to  take  pos- 
session and  establish  a  permanent  home. 

With  respect  to  the  second  object  of  the  survey,  that  of  giving  infor- 
mation which  may  be  useful  to  cultivators  of  the  soil,  I  am  fully  per- 
suaded from  my  examination  of  the  subject,  that  there  are  no  birds 
which  it  is  our  interest  to  destroy.  There  are  some  which  are  occa- 
sionally troublesome  in  our  fields  and  gardens ;  but,  do  what  we  will, 
we  cannot  prevent  their  depredations ;  if  we  shoot  them,  we  only  grati- 
fy our  revengeful  feeling,  since  new  reinforcements  stand  ready  to 
supply  the  place  of  every  one  that  falls.  And  this  is  not  the  only 
thing  to  be  regarded.  In  every  instance  of  our  removing  a  present 
inconvenience,  we  are  opening  a  door  for  the  entrance  of  much  greater 
evils.  But  without  any  systematic  discussion  of  this  point,  I  shall 
introduce  remarks  as  they  suggest  themselves,  in  the  course  of  the 
report,  showing  where  we  are  indebted  to  any  birds  for  services,  and 
where  we  suffer  from  their  depredations ;  leaving  the  reader  to  balance 
the  one  against  the  other,  and  to  judge  for  himself  whether  the  course 
of  mercy  or  revenge  is  the  best  for  him  to  pursue. 

Having  made  these  remarks  in  explanation  of  the  plan  which  I  pro- 
pose to  follow,  I  proceed  to  give  the  names  of  such  residents  and  visi- 
ters  in  our  State  as  I  have  been  able  to  ascertain.  There  may  be  some 
passed  over ;  and  if  so,  I  hope  that  those  who  have  not  favored  me 
with  the  results  of  their  observations,  will  aid  in  accomplishing  the 
objects  of  the  survey,  by  giving  the  information  they  may  possess,  -to 
the  public,  in  some  other  form. 


260  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


BIRDS    OF    PREY. 

THE  JER-FALCON,  Falco  Islandicus,  a  bold  and  graceful  bird^ 
is  seldom  found  wandering  far  from  the  icy  latitudes  in  which 
it  dwells,  and  it  is  only  in  the  depth  of  winter,  that  it  is  ever 
seen  as  far  south  as  Massachusetts  ;  but  we  have  Nuttall's 
high  authority  for  saying  that  a  pair  is  occasionally  seen  with- 
in our  borders.  In  the  days  of  falconry,  this  fine  bird  was  em- 
ployed for  striking  the  larger  prey,  which  it  did  by  out-soaring 
and  pouncing  upon  them  with  great  rapidity  and  power. 
There  is  much  variety  in  its  markings,  and  some  specimens  are 
found  to  be  nearly  white ;  which  is  believed  to  be  an  indica- 
tion of  age,  its  whiteness  increasing  with  years. 

THE  AMERICAN  SPARROWHAWK,  Falco  sparverius,  a  beautiful 
little  falcon,  which  is  said  to  be  rare  in  the  maritime  parts  of 
our  State,  is  not  at  all  uncommon  in  the  inland  villages,  where 
it  comes  fearlessly  into  cultivated  enclosures,  and  pursues  its 
prey  without  regard  to  those  who  pass  by.  The  blue  jays  have 
a  bitter  aversion  to  it,  probably,  because  it  interferes  with  their 
own  piratical  expeditions.  Whenever  it  appears,  they  follow  it 
with  loud  and  abusive  language,  mocking  its  cry  with  ridicu- 
lous exactness,  till  the  hawk,  who,  in  general,  seems  rather  en- 
tertained with  the  exhibition,  at  last,  stunned  with  their  noise, 
and  provoked  at  their  impudence,  seizes  the  foremost  of  their 
number ;  without,  however,  putting  a  stop  to  their  persecu- 
tions. 

This  bird  is  partial  to  the  southern  climates  :  some  few  re- 
main in  New  York  during  the  winter,  but  the  ordinary  cold  of 
New  England  at  that  season  is  too  severe.  Still,  it  is  seen 
here  in  cold  weather,  perched  on  some  tree  or  stake  which 
commands  an  open  view,  where  it  watches  for  mice  or  any 
smaller  game,  not  being  particular,  and  caring  more  for  the 
quantity  than  the  quality  of  its  food.  It  is  easily  tamed,  and 
would  be  an  amusing  companion,  were  it  not  for  its  taste  for 

1 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  261 

chickens ;  the  hen,  no  longer  hen-hearted  in  defence  of  her 
young,  gives  battle  to  the  little  hawk  and  destroys  him.  I 
believe  that  the  nest  of  this  bird  has  not  been  found  in  our 
State. 

The  PIGEON  HAWK,  Falco  columbarius,  is  rare  in  the  wes- 
tern part  of  the  state,  and  Nuttall  had  the  impression  that  it 
was  not  seen  in  New  England  ;  but  Dr.  Brewer  informs  me  that 
he  has  often  found  it  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  It  is  migratory 
in  its  habits,  and,  when  in  pursuit  of  its  prey>  cares  not  whither 
it  goes.  It  siezes  the  robin,  the  wild  pigeon,  and  even  the 
gold-winged  woodpecker,  on  the  land  ;  and  on  the  water,  it 
pursues  much  larger  birds,  which  can  escape  from  it  only  by 
diving.  It  has  been  known  to  attack  birds  in  cages,  in  the 
very  heart  of  cities ;  and  so  indifferent  is  it  to  danger,  that  it 
does  not  even  shun  the  presence  of  man,  the  common  object 
of  dread.  When  wounded,  it  throws  itself  on  its  back  as  the 
hunter  approaches,  and  with  angry  screams,  prepares  to  defend 
itself  to  the  last.  Where  the  pigeon  hawk  raises  its  young  is 
not  certainly  known.  It  is  not  seen  in  the  United  States  ex- 
cept in  early  autumn  and  winter ;  in  the  spring  and  summer, 
it  is  probably  in  the  northern  regions ;  but  at  other  seasons  it 
travels  to  the  most  southern  boundaries  of  our  country. 

The  LITTLE  CORPORAL,  Falco  temerarius,  is  so  rare  a  bird 
that  when  Nuttall's  work  was  published,  the  only  specimen 
known,  was  the  one  discovered  in  Pennsylvania,  and  described 
by  Audubon,  twenty  years  before.  In  a  spirit  of  somewhat 
doubtful  compliment,  he  named  it  after  Napoleon,  I  believe 
from  some  supposed  personal  resemblance  to  that  great  human 
bird  of  prey.  Nothing  is  yet  known  respecting  its  habits,  nor 
the  place  and  the  manner  in  which  it  rears  its  young  ;  but  the 
singular  fact  just  mentioned,  that  three  specimens  of  a  bird  so 
uncommon  were  obtained  at  the  same  time  in  a  single  village, 
seems  to  indicate  that  the  species  will  be  more  common.  This 
would  be  no  unheard  of  thing  on  the  part  of  hawks,  which 
sometimes  appear  and  remain  in  considerable  numbers,  where 
none  had  been  found  for  years,  if  ever  before^ 

»-• 


i «'  .*  ' 
262  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  GOLDEN  EAGLE,  Falco  fulvus,  a  fierce  and  angry  bird, 
loves  the  wildness  of  desert  and  mountainous  regions,  where 
it  neither  seeks  nor  fears  the  presence  of  man.  As  such  tracts 
are  not  wanting  in  Massachusetts,  it  sometimes  comes  within 
our  bounds  ;  but  it  delights  more  in  ridges  as  desolate  as  the 
White  Mountains  of  New  Hampshire.  It  is  not  common  any- 
where, and  is  hardly  ever  seen  in  the  more  level  and  cultivated 
parts  of  the  country.  In  pace  and  swiftness  of  flight  it  is  in- 
ferior to  some  other  birds,  but  it  exceeds  them  all  in  the  power 
of  its  brilliant  eye,  which  enables  it  to  aim,  with  unerring 
precision,  at  its  destined  prey.  Its  flight,  if  not  so  rapid  as  that 
of  other  eagles,  is  exceedingly  majestic  and  graceful,  and  an- 
swers to  the  fine  description, 

"  Sailing  with  supreme  dominion, 
Through  the  azure  depths  of  air." 

The  nest  of  the  golden  eagle  has  been  found  on  the  Hudson^ 
but  never,  I  believe,  within  the  limits  of  our  state.  Per- 
haps it  may  be  found  hereafter  on  Graylock  or  some  of  our 
western  mountains.  They  build,  of  course,  where  they  can 
find  abundance  of  their  usual  food,  such  as  fawns,  young  ra- 
coons, rabbits,  and  wild  turkeys  j  but  they  are  indifferent  to 
climate,  enduring  the  utmost  severity  of  winter,  and  moving 
with  ease  and  unconcern  in  the  face  of  the  most  violent  storms. 
The  golden  eagle  would  be  the  acknowledged  head  of  its 
family,  were  it  not  for  the  giant  discovered  by  Audubon.  The 
ring  tailed  eagle  of  Wilson  is  now  well  known  to  be  the  young 
of  the  present  species. 

The  WASHINGTON  EAGLE,  Falco  Washingtonianus,  was 
discovered  by  Audubon,  and  happily  named  by  him  in  honor 
of  the  man,  who  is  still  the  absolute  sovereign  of  all  hearts  in 
this  country,  and  will  continue  to  rule  over  it  for  ages,  by  his 
memory  and  example.  It  was  known  before  our  great  orni- 
thologist recognised  it  as  a  new  species-  and  was  supposed  to 
be  one  of  the  familiar  kinds  ;  but  from  the  circumstance  of 
its  building  on  a  cliff,  and  procuring  its  food  by  diving  instead 
of  robbing  the  fish-hawk,  it  was  obviously  different  from  the 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  263 

brown  eagle,  as  the  bald  eagle,  in  his  immature  state,  is 
often  called.  It  was  not  till  two  years  after  he  first  saw  it, 
that  Audubon  was  able  to  obtain  a  specimen,  when  he  found 
that  his  conjectures  were  correct,  and  that  it  was  neither  the 
brown  or  sea  eagle,  as  Wilson  calls  the  young  of  the  white- 
headed,  not  knowing  that  it  was  an  immature  bird  ;  nor  was 
it  the  true  sea  eagle,  Falco  albicilla,  which  it  more  resembles. 
From  the  latter  it  is  distinguished  by  its  greater  size,  and  by 
the  greater  length  of  the  tail,  which  in  F.  albicilla  does  not 
extend  beyond  the  folded  wings. 

The  favorite  residence  of  this  bird  is  in  the  rocky  solitudes 
near  the  great  lakes,  where  it  is  seen  flying  in  broad  circles 
near  the  land  or  the  surface  of  the  water :  when  about  to  dive, 
it  descends  in  spiral  rounds,  keeping  its  eye  upon  the  fish,  and 
comes  very  near  it  before  it  makes  its  plunge ;  when  rising,  it  flies 
low,  to  a  considerable  distance,  and  then  devours  its  victim  at 
leisure.  When  the  severity  of  winter  closes  the  water  and 
abridges  its  means  of  subsistence,  it  sometimes  wanders  into 
New  England,  and  in  January  and  February,  the  coldest 

months  in  our  year,  it  is  occasionally  seen  within  our  bounds. 

j 

The  WHITEHEADED  or  BALD  EAGLE,  Falco  leucocephalus.  is 
the  most  familiarly  known  of  all  the  eagles.  Against  the  re- 
monstrances of  Franklin,  it  was  adopted  as  the  emblem  of  our 
country,  an  honor  to  which  it  was  entitled,  if  not  by  its  char- 
acter, at  least  by  residence,  since  it  is  found  in  every  part  of 
the  Union,  leaving  the  colder  latitudes  to  the  sterner  and  har- 
dier of  the  race.  It  manifests  a  preference  for  the  warmer 
parts  of  the  country,  but  all  who  live  near  our  lakes  and  larger 
rivers  or  the  shores  of  the  sea,  are  acquainted  with  its  tower- 
ing flight  and  its  solemn  cry,  which,  impressive  as  it  is,  in  the 
midst  of  desolation,  is  nevertheless,  like  that  of  all  other  eagles, 
so  harsh  and  discordant  as  to  leave  without  excuse  the  excise 
officers  of  Bristol,  in  England,  who  detained  a  couple  which 
Colonel  Montague  had  imported,  under  the  act  which  imposed 
a  duty  on  singing  birds. 

The  manner  in  which  this  eagle  subsists,  though  not  credit- 


•*„. '  >C 

264  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

able  to  its  morals,  is  strongly  illustrative  of  its  power ;  and  as 
power  and  oppression  are  apt  to  be  united  in  human  beings, 
we  cannot  wonder  that  the  same  alliance  should  exist  in  birds. 
It  stands  perched  on  some  tree,  from  which  it  commands  a 
wide  view  over  the  waters,  where  it  waits  in  gigantic  repose, 
its  wings  lifted,  as  if  keeping  time  with  the  heaving  sea.  It 
seems  to  look  with  calm  unconcern  on  the  numberless  birds 
that  are  sporting  or  gathering  food  upon  the  waves ;  but  all 
the  while  its  bright  eye  is  fixed  upon  the  industrious  fish- 
hawk,  which,  unconscious  of  danger,  is  quietly  gathering 
food  for  his  young.  The  moment  he  reappears  from  his 
plunges,  whitening  the  sea  with  foam,  the  eagle  launches  forth 
from  his  resting  place,  pursues  him  with  force  and  rapidity  even 
greater  than  his  own ;  and  when,  after  wheeling  in  broad  circles 
and  trying  every  art  and  effort  to  escape,  the  hawk  is  com- 
pelled, as  a  last  resource,  to  let  fall  his  prey,  the  eagle  balances 
a  moment,  as  if  to  make  sure  its  aim.  then  shoots  down  like  an 
arrow,  and  secures  its  prey  before  it  touches  the  wave.  These 
exhibitions  excite  much  sympathy  for  the  injured  party  in 
those  who  witness  them  ;  and  it  is  to  be  hoped,  that  it  was 
no  prophetic  discernment  which  selected  this  eagle,  beautiful 
as  it  is,  to  represent  the  character  of  our  Union. 

Sometimes  the  fish-hawks,  when  they  can  endure  their  inju- 
ries no  longer,  combine  their  forces,  and  compel  the  eagle  to 
retreat  from  the  shore,  In  that  case,  it  makes  havoc  among 
other  birds,  or  when  those  resources  fail,  it  sometimes  carries 
away  lambs  from  the  neighboring  farms.  It  is  said  that  it  has 
made  an  attempt  to  carry  off  children,  and  there  is  no  doubt 
that  it  has  sufficient  strength  and  courage.  Sometimes  it  robs 
the  sportsman  of  the  birds  which  he  has  shot ;  it  seems  to  un- 
derstand the  use  of  the  gun,  and  to  know  that  when  once  dis- 
charged, it  is  harmless  till  loaded  again.  It  is  commonly  very 
difficult  for  a  person  thus  armed  to  approach  this  eagle,  for, 
audacious  as  it  is,  it  does  not  rashly  expose  itself  to  danger.  It 
is  shot  by  approaching  it  under  the  cover  of  a  tree,  or  after  a 
snow-storm,  when,  for  a  time,  it  seems  to  lose  much  of  the 
power  of  its  eye. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  265 

The  white  plumage  of  the  head,  from  which  this  eagle  de- 
rives its  name,  is  not  fully  developed  till  the  fourth,  and  some- 
times not  till  the  fifth  or  sixth  year  of  its  age.  This  is  the 
case  when  the  bird  is  in  confinement ;  perhaps  when  at  liberty, 
it  may  attain  its  full  beauty  at  an  earlier  age.  In  other  res- 
pects, this  eagle  is  mature  within  a  year  from  the  time  of  its 
birth. 

The  FISH-HAWK,  Falco  halicetus,  which  is  so  often  a  victim 
to  the  rapacity  of  the  eagle  just  described,  is  an  interesting  and 
harmless  bird,  which  confines  itself  industriously  to  its  em- 
ployment of  fishing,  never  attacking  other  birds  nor  land  ani- 
mals, though  it  has  great  strength  of  flight  and  of  talons,  and 
though  it  sometimes  arrives  in  the  spring  when  the  bays  and 
ponds  are  frozen  and  its  food  is  difficult  to  be  procured.  It  has 
no  controversy  with  any  bird  except  the  eagle,  and  that  war- 
fare must  be  regarded  as  defensive ;  no  single  hawk  is  able  to 
encounter  the  enemy,  but  by  joining  their  forces,  they  become 
too  strong  to  be  resisted. 

The  fish-hawk  is  on  excellent  terms  with  the  fishermen, 
though  they  are  of  the  same  trade.  Its  coming  announces  the 
arrival  of  the  shoals  of  fish  that  crowd  our  rivers  in  the  spring. 
Perhaps  its  exemption  from  persecution  may  be  owing  also  to 
its  well  known  gentleness  of  disposition.  Unlike  other  birds 
of  prey,  the  fish-hawks  are  social  and  friendly  to  each  other. 
They  come  to  us  in  flocks  of  eight  or  ten,  who  build  near  each 
other,  and  rear  their  young  in  perfect  harmony,  and  this  spirit 
of  hospitality  and  kindness  is  extended  to  other  birds  that  seem 
to  have  no  claim  upon  them.  The  crow  blackbirds  are  per- 
mitted to  shelter  in  the  interstices  of  their  nests,  which  are 
huge  constructions,  made  of  a  cartload  of  heavy  materials  firmly 
matted  together.  The  notion  that  the  fish-hawk  protects  the 
domestic  poultry  frorn  other  hawks  is  without  foundation,  since 
it  never  interferes  with  the  pursuits  of  any  bird  whatever.  It 
is  well  however,  that  the  impression  should  exist,  for  if  not 
well  founded,  it  serves  the  cause  of  humanity  and  saves  the 
fish-hawk  from  destruction. 
34 


266  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

These  birds  come  upon  the  coast  of  Massachusetts  at  the  last 
of  March  or  the  beginning  of  April,  keeping  time  with  the  ale- 
wives,  on  which  they  feed.  For  some  reason  or  other  they 
seldom  breed  here.  The  first  appearance  of  frost,  is  the  signal 
for  them  to  retreat  to  warmer  climates.  They  are  not  uncom- 
mon in  the  interior  of  the  country  near  our  lakes  and  large  riv- 
ers. In  winter,  they  are  sometimes  seen  near  New  Orleans  ; 
but  this  is  not  by  any  means  the  extent  of  their  migrations, 
and  these  probably  are  individuals  which  have  not  strength  to 
accompany  the  rest. 

The  AMERICAN  GOSHAWK,  Falco  palumbariits,  formerly  sup- 
posed, on  the  authority  of  Bonaparte,  to  be  different  from  the 
European,  is  now  generally  admitted  to  be  the  same.  It  is 
not  common  in  Massachusetts,  nor  in  any  part  of  the  United 
States  ;  but  it  sometimes  follows  the  flocks  of  ducks  in  their 
migration,  and  destroys  considerable  numbers.  It  is  an  active 
and  restless  bird,  seldom  seen  off  the  wing,  except  when  de- 
vouring its  prey,  and  is  so  fleet  in  its  motions  that,  in  Maine,  it 
will  dash  down  at  the  farmer's  door  and  carry  off  chickens  so 
rapidly  that  it  is  hardly  possible  to  shoot  the  robber.  In  the 
western  country,  it  follows  the  immense  flocks  of  pigeons,  and 
selects, its  prey  from  among  them,  notwithstanding  the  swift- 
ness of  their  flight.  Audubon  saw  one  of  them  give  chase  to  a 
flock  of  grakles,  from  which  he  seized  four  or  five  in  succes- 
sion, letting  them  drop  into  the  water  below  ;  after  killing  a 
sufficient  number,  he  picked  them  up  one  after  another  and 
carried  them  to  the  shore.  This  bird  is  so  savage  and  vora- 
cious, that  it  has  been  known  to  eat  the  young  of  its  own  spe- 
cies, when  destitute  of  other  food. 

The  AMERICAN  BROWN,  or  SLATE  COLORED  HAWK,  Falco 
fuscuSj  is  now  known  to  be  the  same  with  F.  velox,  and  F. 
Pennsylvanicus,.  which  Wilson  described  as  distinct  species, 
though  not  without  suspicions  that  they  might  turn  out  to  be 
the  same  with  others  formerly  known.  It  is  not  common  in 
New  England,  but  is  said  to  abound  in  the  thinly  settled  parts 
of  the  southern  states,  where  it  often  makes  great  havoc  among 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  267 

the  domestic  poultry,  which  it  seizes  and  carries  off  in  the 
very  sight  of  the  farmer.  We  learn  from  Nuttall,  that  one  of 
them,  in  pursuit  of  his  prey,  burst  through  the  glass  of  the 
green-house  in  the  Botanic  garden  at  Cambridge,  and  then 
through  an  inner  partition  of  glass,  where,  his  wing  feathers 
being  torn  by  the  glass,  he  was  arrested  in  the  attempt  to 
break  through  a  third.  Wilson  speaks  of  the  slate-colored 
hawk,  as  found  in  the  Atlantic  states  generally  ;  but  its  num- 
bers anywhere  must  be  small.  Its  nest  was  found  by  Audu- 
bon,  in  one  instance,  in  a  hole  in  a  rock,  in  others,  built  with 
sticks  on  trees. 

COOPER'S  HAWK,  Falco  Cooperii,  was  named  by  Bonaparte, 
in  honor  of  Mr.  William  Cooper  of  New  York.  It  is  added  to 
the  list  of  our  birds,  on  the  authority  of  Mr.  Samuel  Cabot,  Jr., 
who  obtained  a  single  specimen  in  Cambridge.  The  circum- 
stance that  so  little  is  known  of  this  fine  bird,  after  all  the  re- 
searches of  eminent  ornithologists,  shows  what  a  broad  field  of 
the  science  is  yet  untrodden,  and  makes  it  a  subject  of  con- 
gratulation, that  so  much  zeal  and  intelligence  are  now  enga- 
ged in  the  study.  The  food  of  this  hawk  consists  principally 
of  birds  ;  which,  of  various  sizes,  from  the  ruffed  grous  to  the 
sparrow,  are  laid  under  contribution.  In  the  southern  states, 
they  are  said,  like  the  preceding  species,  to  be  troublesome  in 
consequence  of  their  depredations  upon  the  poultry. 

The  ROUGH-LEGGED  FALCON,  Falco  lagopus,  and  Falco 
Sancti  Johannis  were  supposed  to  be  two  distinct  species,  till 
Audubon  showed  that  these,  and  Falco  niger  of  Wilson,  were 
names  of  the  same  bird  at  different  ages  ;  a  mistake  easily 
made,  since  of  eight  specimens  which  Audubon  received  at  one 
time  in  Boston,  no  two  were  alike  in  their  markings.  Their 
flight  was  alike,  and  all  their  attitudes,  as  they  sat  perched  on 
stakes  and  trees,  or  flew  about  pursuing  their  prey  ;  but  the 
dark  colored  birds  were  much  more  shy  than  the  light  ones,  a 
difference  which  he  ascribed  to  their  greater  age.  Falco  niger, 
in  his  opinion,  is  the  old  rough-legged  falcon. 

These  birds  are  found  in  the  neighborhood  of  swamps  and 


268  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

marshes,  where  they  watch  for  moles,  mice  and  frogs,  and  oc- 
casionally encounter  a  wounded  bird.  Their  appearance  is 
heavy  and  inanimate,  suiting  well  with  the  dreary  places 
where  they  reside  ;  but  as  they  are  supposed  to  resemble  the 
owls  in  their  vision,  perhaps  they  make  up,  by  activity  at 
night,  for  their  sluggish  listlessness  by  day.  Their  home  is 
in  the  north,  where  they  doubtless  rear  their  young  j  but  their 
habits  in  this  respect  are  very  little  known  ;  it  is  only  in  win- 
ter, when  their  food  fails,  that  they  come  into  our  State,  and 
sometimes  proceed  to  the  south  as  far  as  Maryland. 

The  SHORT-WINGED  BUZZARD,  Falco  buteoides,  is  found  in 
this  State  ;  more  abundantly  at  the  approach  of  winter  than  at 
any  other  season.  In  New  York,  it  is  said  to  commit  depreda- 
tions on  the  poultry  ;  but  here,  it  is  not  thought  to  have  activ- 
ity and  courage  enough  for  an  enterprising  and  successful  rob- 
ber. It  remains  inactive  on  the  margins  of  swamps  and  mead- 
ows ;  making  a  hoarse  cry  at  intervals,  to  which  its  mate 
replies.  But  if  not  remarkable  for  spirit,  it  has  some  good 
traits  of  character  ;  it  is  said  that  if  the  female  is  killed,  the 
male  will  attend  and  feed  the  young  till  they  are  able  to  pro- 
vide for  themselves ;  but  of  their  habits  in  this  respect,  we 
know  nothing  fro  n  observation  ;  they  do  not  breed  in  this 
State,  though  Pennant  says  that  they  remain  in  New  York 
through  the  year,  and  build  in  the  beginning  of  May. 

The  RED-TAILED  HAWK,  Falco  borealis,  is  more  certainly 
known  as  a  destroyer  of  poultry.  Though  shy  at  other  sea- 
sons, in  winter  they  approach  the  farm,  sweeping  near  the 
ground  and  snatching  a  wandering  hen  or  chicken.  But,  like 
the  crow,  they  seem  to  have  an  intuitive  perception  of  the  use 
and  reach  of  the  gun,  and  if  they  see  a  person  armed,  they  give 
a  scream  of  disgust,  and  sail  away  far  beyond  his  reach.  As 
farmers  give  them  the  name  of  hen-hawks,  and  treat  them  ac- 
cordingly, they  are  compelled  to  exert  much  caution  in  their 
distant  intercourse  with  man.  They  are  able  to  do  this  suc- 
cessfully, by  means  of  their  rapid  and  powerful  flight ;  they 
can  float  high  over  a  whole  plantation  without  a  single  flap- 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  269 

ping  of  their  wings  :  all  the  while  they  make  a  mournful  cry, 
as  if  wholly  intent  upon  their  own  sorrows,  but  they  are  in 
reality  keeping  sharp  watch  on  every  thing  that  moves  below  ; 
should  they  see  an  animal,  they  alight,  take  deliberate  aim, 
and  shoot  down  like  an  arrow  to  secure  it.  They  will  some- 
times, as  if  in  the  mere  enjoyment  of  this  power,  soar  upwards 
till  they  are  lost  in  the  clear  blue  sky.  These  birds  rear  their 
young  in  Massachusetts,  building  in  forests  where  they  may 
escape  persecution.  The  frame-work  of  their  nest  is  made  of 
sticks,  and  finished  with  twigs  and  coarse  grass.  The  eggs 
are  of  a  dull  white,  blotched  with  black  and  brown.  The 
young  are  fed  with  squirrels,  rabbits,  and  various  other  food. 
As  soon  as  the  young  are  able  to  take  care  of  themselves,  the 
old  birds  dissolve  their  partnership,  and  treat  each  other  as 
perfect  strangers. 

The  BLACK  WARRIOR,  Falco  Harlani,  was  first  discovered 
by  Audubon  in  Louisiana.  He  at  first  supposed  it  to  be  the 
black  hawk  of  Wilson,  but  on  examination  it  proved  to  be  a 
new  species,  allied  to  the  preceding,  but  superior  to  it  in  every 
thing  but  size.  It  is  considerably  smaller,  and,  though  not 
able  to  contend  with  its  enemy,  the  red-tail,  escapes  by  its 
superior  fleetness.  It  seldom  preys  on  animals,  but  subsists  on 
poultry,  partridges  and  other  birds.  Nuttall  informs  us  that 
these  birds  are  occasionally  seen  in  Massachusetts  ;  and,  though 
it  is  not  known  that  any  one  has  been  taken,  the  observation 
of  such  a  naturalist  is  not  to  be  disregarded.  Of  the  nest  and 
habits  of  this  bird  at  the  breeding  season,  nothing  is  yet  known. 

The  RED-SHOULDERED  HAWK,  Falco  lineatus.  It  has  been 
a  subject  of  discussion  whether  this  is  a  species  distinct  from 
the  Winter  falcon,  Falco  hiemalis  ;  Audubon,  in  his  first  vol- 
ume, maintained  that  they  were  different,  and  said  that  the 
winter  falcon  was  much  more  common  than  the  former.  I 
have  since  understood  that  he  has  found  reason  to  change  his 
opinion  ;  and  if  it  be  true  that  they  are  the  same,  F.  lineatus, 
the  name  of  the  supposed  adult,  is  the  one  that  should  be  pre- 


270/  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

ferred.     In  a  list  kindly  furnished  me  by  Dr.  Brewer,  it  is  set 
down  as  breeding  in  our  State. 

The  HEN-HARRIER  OR  MARSH  HAWK,  Falco  cyaneus,  though 
found  here  in  considerable  numbers,  is  not  of  any  great  impor- 
tance, either  as  a  friend  or  an  enemy  of  man.  In  the  southern 
states,  though  not  common,  it  is  in  high  estimation  for  its  ser- 
vices in  destroying  the  small  birds,  while  they  are  engaged  in 
plundering  the  fields ;  but  in  the  northern  states,  it  generally 
confines  itself  to  marshes,  where  it  skims  along  the  ground  in 
search  of  mice  and  frogs,  which  are  its  main  dependence  for 
food,  sometimes  carrying  on  its  labors  in  the  twilight  or  the 
moonlight.  In  the  winter,  it  extends  its  migration  from  Hud- 
son's Bay  to  the  southern  limits  of  the  United  States.  Audu- 
bon  found  it  at  Labrador  on  the  one  hand,  and  at  Texas  on  the 
other. 

The  MERLIN,  Falco  asalon,  of  which  a  specimen  was  ob- 
tained by  Dr.  Richardson  at  Carlton  House,  in  the  fur  coun- 
tries, is  at  present  but  little  known  in  America.  It  is  the  same 
with  the  English  merlin,  which  was  formerly  used  in  falconry, 
being  valued  for  its  strength  and  spirit,  though  inferior  in  size. 
The  female  could  kill  a  partridge  at  a  single  pounce,  but  the 
male  contents  himself  with  humbler  game.  Nuttall  assures  us 
that  this  bird  is  occasionally  seen  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston. 

In  the  list  of  birds  of  prey, v  I  have  not  included  the 
GREAT-FOOTED  HAWK,  Falco  peregrinus,  not  having  ascertained 
that  any  one  has  been  taken  here  ;  but  as  they  are  growing 
numerous  in  other  places  where  they  have  been  rare,  and  are 
now  found  in  states  not  distant,  subsequent  observations  will 
probably  include  them  in  the  number  of  our  birds. 

The  HAWK  OWL,  Strix  funerea,  is  so  much  like  the  former 
class  of  birds  of  prey  in  its  appearance,  that,  at  a  short  distance, 
one  could  hardly  determine  whether  it  is  a  hawk  or  an  owl. 
It  is  a  native  of  the  Arctic  regions  ;  in  the  fur  countries  it  is 
well  known,  from  its  practice  of  following  the  hunter  and 


BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  271 


snatching  up  the  game  when  it  falls.  Little  is  known  about 
it  here,  since  it  is  but  seldom  that  it  wanders  into  New  Eng- 
land. 

The  SNOWY  OWL,  Stria:  nyctea,  is  rrore  common  in  Massa- 
chusetts than  in  most  other  states  of  the  Union.  It  makes  its 
appearance  at  the  approach  of  winter  ;  its  large  size  and  snowy 
plumage  are  well  suited  to  resist  the  climate  in  the  icy  solitudes 
where  it  dwells,  and  nothing  but  the  difficulty  of  procuring 
a  subsistence,  drives  it  from  its  favorite  home.  There,  it 
delights  in  the  stern  solitude  of  a  night  which  lasts  for  half 
the  year,  and  its  dismal  cries,  resembling  those  of  a  man 
screaming  in  agony,  are  said  to  increase  the  dreariness  even  of 
that  fearfully  desolate  scene.  When  it  is  compelled  to  wander 
in  search  of  food,  it  is  quite  abundant  in  Canada  ;  often  found 
in  the  most  northern  states,  and  occasionally  seen  as  far  south 
as  Florida.  It  frequents  the  banks  of  streams,  sailing  slowly 
over  the  surface,  or  takes  its  station  on  a  rock,  watching  for 
its  prey  ;  and  the  moment  a  fish  appears,  it  secures  it  by  a  sud- 
den grasp  of  its  claw.  Its  food,  however,  is  various,  consisting 
of  rabbits,  grouse,  ducks,  and  mice  ;  it  is  probably  the  pursuit 
of  rats  and  mice  which  brings  it  near  the  abodes  of  men, 
where  it  would  not  be  caught  by  accident,  since  it  has  power 
to  see  both  by  night  and  by  day. 

Audubon  believes  that  he  has  reason  for  asserting  that  the 
yellowish  whiteness  which  makes  the  plumage  of  this  owl  so 
rich  arid  beautiful,  is  not  acquired  till  after  a  certain  age.  He 
has  shot  many  which  were  of  an  uniform  light  brown  ;  these 
he  formerly  thought  were  of  a  different  species  j  but  now  he 
considers  them  the  young  of  the  snowy  owl. 

This  bird  is  said  to  breed  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  state 
of  Maine,  but  there  is,  as  yet,  no  sure  authority  for  the  asser- 
tion. Their  nests  are  not  found  in  Labrador  nor  Newfound- 
land :  probably  they  are  to  be  sought  for  in  the  highest  lati- 
tudes, since  the  snowy  owl  comes  to  us  like  a  herald  of  the 
winter  storms,  and  spends  the  rest  of  the  year  in  his  Arctic 
home. 


272  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  RED  OWL,  Strix  asio,  is  a  permanent  resident,  and  rears 
its  young  in  Massachusetts  j  appearing  more  common  in  win- 
ter, not  because  it  migrated  in  the  milder  season,  but,  its  sup- 
plies in  the  forest  failing,  it  comes  to  barns  and  houses  in 
search  of  food.  During  the  day,  it  finds  shelter  in  unfrequent- 
ed places,  and  when  seen,  appears  drowsy  and  listless,  as  if 
more  than  half  asleep.  It  has  good  reason  for  preferring  soli- 
tude at  such  times ;  for  the  smaller  birds,  which  it  persecutes 
by  night,  know  that  they  have  the  advantage  by  day,  and  do 
not  scruple  to  follow  up  their  revenge.  Sometimes  they  pro- 
ceed from  words  to  blows,  and  the  owl,  having  the  worst  of 
the  battle,  is  compelled  to  seek  safety  in  a  random  flight.  It 
is  known  by  the  name  of  the  little  screech  owl,  from  the 
cry  which  it  makes  in  the  early  part  of  the  night. 

In  connexion  with  the  history  of  this  bird,  Audubon  asks 
the  question,  why  it  is  that  the  owls  living  in  the  milder 
climates,  should  be  thus  defective  in  their  power  of  vision, 
while  the  natives  of  Arctic  regions  can  see  both  by  night 
and  day,  when  the  sun  or  moon  shines  bright  on  the  snow. 
Without  referring  to  the  structure  of  the  eye,  it  is  obviously  a 
reason  of  this  difference,  that,  if  those  birds  had  not  the  double 
power,  in  latitudes  where  the  days  and  nights  are  unequal, 
they  would  be  able  to  see  for  half  the  year,  and  would  be 
blind  for  the  other  •  and  thus  when  the  days  are  long,  must 
perish  for  want  of  food ;  whereas,  to  those  which  live  where 
the  hours  of  sunshine  are  not  many,  even  at  the  summer  sols- 
tice, it  is  no  hardship  to  be  compelled  to  take  rest  by  day. 

Nuttall  kept  one  of  these  owls  in  confinement,  to  observe 
its  habits.  In  the  day,  it  retreated  to  a  dark  closet ;  but  as 
night  came  on,  it  grew  restless,  gliding  along  the  room  in  per- 
fect silence,  a  power  which  the  owls  owe  to  the  delicate  plu- 
mage of  their  wings.  Sometimes  it  would  cling  to  the  wain- 
scot, and  turn  its  head  almost  round,  resembling  a  spectre  with 
its  bright  glaring  eyes.  In  all  the  owls,  the  globe  of  the  eye 
is  immoveably  fixed  in  its  socket,  by  an  elastic  cartilaginous 
case,  in  the  form  of  a  truncated  cone.  On  removing  the  out- 
ward membrane  which  covers  this  case,  it  is  found  to  consist 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  273 

of  many  parts,  placed  like  the  staves  of  a  cask,  overlapping  a 
little  at  the  narrow  end,  and  capable  apparently  of  being  en- 
larged or  contracted.  The  eye  being  thus  fixed,  the  owl,  in 
order  to  see  any  object  is  obliged  to  turn  its  head,  and  has  the 
power  to  move  it  round,  almost  in  a  perfect  circle. 

The  RED  OWL,  Strix  asio,  rears  its  young  in  Massachusetts  ; 
it  lays  from  four  to  six  eggs,  in  a  hollow  tree,  with  a  lining  of 
hay  or  leaves.  As  soon  as  the  young  are  hatched,  it  makes 
liberal  provision  of  food  for  them.  It  is  the  small  birds  which 
suffer  on  these  occasions,  and  it  is  in  revenge  for  this  carnage, 
that  they  pursue  the  owl  with  so  much  detestation. 

The  GREAT  HORNED  or  CAT  OWL,  Strix  Virginiana,  is  well 
known,  though  not  much  to  his  advantage,  in  consequence  of 
his  depredations  on  the  domestic  poultry.  Being  one  of  the 
largest  and  strongest  of  his  tribe,  more  than  two  feet  in  length 
and  four  in  extent,  with  energy  and  courage  in  proportion,  he 
is  capable  of  making  great  destruction  in  solitary  farm  yards, 
especially  when  he  adds  to  his  powers  of  mischief,  a  caution 
and  cunning,  in  which  even  the  cat  does  not  exceed  him. 
This,  however,  is  one  of  those  evils  which  lessen  as  the  popu- 
lation inci  eases,  so  that  in  our  state,  though  most  villagers  are 
acquainted  with  the  bird,  there  is  not  much  complaint  made 
of  his  depredations. 

The  flight  of  this  owl  is  easy  and  graceful  :  when  it  dis- 
cerns its  prey,  it  falls  upon  it  so  swiftly  that  escape  is  impossi- 
ble. Hardly  anything  comes  amiss  to  its  voracious  appetite, 
but  it  prefers  the  larger  gallinaceous  birds,  and  delights  partic- 
ularly in  any  fish  that  chance  may  throw  upon  the  shore.  Its 
cries  are  loud  and  shrill,  sometimes  resembling  the  barking  of 
a  dog ;  at  other  times,  they  are  compared  to  the  last  gurglings 
of  a  murdered  man  striving  in  vain  to  call  for  help.  When 
wounded,  it  resists  with  great  fierceness,  striking  with  its  bill 
and  claws,  its  large  eyes  opening  and  shutting  in  quick  suc- 
cession, and  its  feathers  rising  so  as  to  double  its  apparent  size. 

The  great  horned  owl  is  one  of  those  which  rear  their  young 
35 


274  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

in  Massachusetts.  The  nest  is  generally  in  the  fork  of  a  tree, 
made  of  twigs,  and  lined  with  leaves  and  a  few  feathers.  The 
eggs  are  from  three  to  six  in  number  ;  the  color,  white.  The 
male  relieves  the  female  in  sitting.  The  young  remain  in  the 
nest  till  they  are  fully  fledged,  and  acquire  the  full  plumage  of 
the  old  birds  in  the  succeeding  spring. 

The  CINEREOUS  OWL,  Strix  cinerea,  or  Great  Grey  Owl, 
as  he  is  commonly  called,  is  very  often  found  in  Maine,  but 
seldom  in  Massachusetts.  Several  years  since,  one  was  taken 
on  a  woodpile  in  Marblehead,  and  lived  some  months  after  its 
capture.  But  such  visits  are  accidental,  and  its  home  is  at 
Hudson's  Bay  and  Labrador,  where  it  is  found  throughout  the 
year. 

The  LONG-EARED  OWL,  Strix  otus,  is  found  in  Massachusetts, 
but  is  never  common  ;  it  is  most  likely  to  be  seen  in  winter, 
when  it  comes  near  the  farms  in  search  of  rats  and  mice, 
which,  together  with  moles  and  field-mice,  are  its  chief  depen- 
dence for  food.  It  is  sometimes  mistaken  for  the  young  of  the 
great-horned  owl,  a  species  which  it  resembles  in  everything 
but  size,  so  that  they  are  easily  confounded  by  untaught  ob- 
servers. It  is  like  it  in  courage  also,  and  when  wounded, 
makes  a  fierce  and  angry  resistance,  which  it  is  difficult  to 
overcome. 

The  SHORT-EARED  OWL,  Strix  brachyotus,  is  another  of 
those  wanderers  which  occasionally  leave  their  northern  home 
to  visit  us.  It  feeds  almost  entirely  on  mice,  and  can  be 
brought  into  view  sometimes,  by  imitating  the  low  squeak  of 
its  prey.  They  are  attracted  also  by  the  light  of  fires,  and, 
either  in  blindness  or  ferocity,  have  been  known  to  attack  the 
men  near  them.  They  are  remarkable  for  spirit,  and,  though 
small,  not  exceeding  thirteen  inches  in  length,  it  is  almost  dan- 
gerous to  approach  them.  In  their  intercourse  with  each  other, 
they  are  more  social  than  most  other  birds  of  prey.  Bewick 
says,  that  in  England,  more  than  two  dozen  have  been  seen 
engaged  in  the  same  field,  destroying  mice  in  company.  In 
this  work  of  extermination  they  are  eminently  serviceable  to 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  275 

the  farmer :  but,  like  many  other  birds,  they  have  reason  to 
complain  that  man  is  slow  to  discover,  and  still  slower  to 
acknowledge  his  obligation. 

The  BARRED  OWL,  Strix  nebulosa,  is  found  in  this  and  all 
the  other  states  of  the  Union,  and  though  it  inhabits  the  north- 
ern regions,  abounds  most  in  the  southern  parts  of  our  country. 
Their  food  is  various,  consisting  of  rabbits,  grouse,  squirrels, 
rats  and  mice,  and,  beside  what  they  obtain  in  the  field  and 
forest,  they  lovy  large  contributions  on  the  domestic  poultry. 
They  are  not  destitute  of  sight  by  day,  but  they  move  doubt- 
fall  y,  as  if  uncertain  of  the  character  of  the  objects  near  them  ; 
in  the  night  they  are  quick  and  active,  and  if  domesticated  for 
the  purpose,  are  said  to  make  excellent  mousers.  So  delicate 
is  their  plumage  and  so  noiseless  their  motion,  that  we  are  told 
by  Audubon,  he  was  aware  that  one  was  flying  directly  over 
his  head,  only  by  its  shadow  cast  by  the  moonlight  on  the 
ground  j  though  it  was  only  a  few  yards  distant  and  flying 
fast,  he  could  not  hear  the  least  rustling  of  its  wings.  Their 
cry  is  loud  and  discordant,  resembling  a  forced  burst  of  laugh- 
ter, and  makes  a  strange  contrast  with  the  solitude  and  silence 
of  the  night. 

The  barred  owl  is  often  offered  for  sale  in  the  New  Orleans 
market,  and  by  some  is  considered  palatable  food.  Audubon 
says  that  the  snowy  owl  is  good  eating,  but  they  are  so  cat- 
like in  their  habits,  that  before  they  could  meet  with  much 
favor  on  the  table,  a  considerable  amount  of  prejudice  must  be 
overcome. 

The  ACADIAN  or  LITTLE  OWL,  Strix  acadica,  is  found  in 
Massachusetts,  but  lives  so  retired  by  day,  that  it  is  not  gener- 
ally known.  It  is  a  beautiful  and  animated  bird,  with  a  note 
singularly  discordant,  resembling  the  filing  of  a  saw.  Audu- 
bon, one  day,  walking  near  his  saw-mill,  heard  this  sound  pro- 
ceeding from  it,  and  finding  the  door  locked,  went  to  the  mil- 
ler's house  to  ascertain  who  was  engaged  in  filing  the  saw. 
There  he  ascertained  that  the  little  owl  which  had  a  nest  hard 
by,  was  the  author  of  these  unmusical  sounds.  This  bird  is 


276  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

probably  the  saw-whetter,  which  is  heard  so  often  by  those 
who  visit  the  White  Mountains.  Its  common  cry  at  night  re- 
sembles the  dull  sound  of  a  whistle. 

This  bird  is  solitary  in  its  habits,  confining  itself  to  the  ever- 
green forests  by  day.  When  disturbed  it  flies  timidly,  and 
takes  advantage  of  the  first  shelter  it  reaches,  where  it  may  be 
caught  by  one  who  uses  sufficient  caution  in  his  approach.  At 
evening  it  becomes  lively,  flying  round  with  wonderful  swift- 
ness in  search  of  mice,  beetles,  moths  and  grasshoppers.  It 
sometimes  manifests  a  desire  to  see  the  world.  Some  have 
been  taken  in  the  heart  of  our  cities  ;  in  Cincinnati,  one  was 
caught  on  the  edge  of  a  cradle  in  which  a  child  lay  asleep. 

The  ARCTIC,  or  WHITE-HORNED  OWL,  Stria:  arctica,  is  a  rare 
and  beautiful  bird,  of  which  a  single  specimen  was  obtained  by 
Dr.  Richardson  in  his  expedition,  shot  with  an  arrow,  by  an 
Indian  boy.  Nuttall  says,  that  a  specimen  was  once  seen  for 
two  or  three  days  in  Cambridge,  and  from  descriptions  which  I 
have  received,  of  a  bird  resembling  the  snowy  owl.  with  horns, 
I  am  persuaded  that  it  will  turn  out  to  be  a  more  frequent  visi- 
ter  than  is  now  supposed. 

TENGMALM'S  OWL,  Strix  Tengmalmi,  is  a  small  species,  and 
so  entirely  a  bird  of  night,  that  when  seen  abroad  by  day,  it  is 
unable  to  escape,  and  may  be  caught  by  the  hand.  It  feeds 
on  mice  and  beetles,  and  is  found  in  all  the  forests  of  the  fur 
countries,  where  its  melancholy  note,  repeated  at  intervals,  like 
minute  guns,  awakens  the  superstitious  feeling  of  some  of  the 
Indians,  who  call  it  the  bird  of  death.  It  is  on  the  high 
authority  of  Audubon,  who,  as  Dr.  Brewer  tells  me,. has  found 
this  owl  here,  that  it  is  added  to  the  present  list. 

a 

In  an  economical  point  of  view,  the  birds  of  prey  just  enu- 
merated, are  of  no  great  importance.  The  hawks,  and  some 
of  the  owls,  are  powerful  birds,  and,  as  the  depredations  of  the 
latter  are  carried  on  by  night,  they  might  be  very  destructive 
to  the  poultry  if  their  numbers  were  greater.  But  in  so  exten- 
sive a^ountry,  most  of  them  can  secure  food  without  trusting 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  277 

themselves  in  the  vicinity  of  man.  For  this  reason,  the  great 
proportion  of  them  do  not  come  near  us  ;  and  those  which  do, 
are  more  likely  to  render  service  by  destroying  field-mice  and 
similar  animals,  than  to  make  themselves  odious  by  plundering 
the  farm.  Instead,  therefore,  of  waging  a  war  of  extermina- 
tion against  them,  it  is  our  interest,  if  not  to  encourage,  at 
least  to  let  them  alone. 


OMNIVOROUS     BIRDS. 

Before  proceeding  to  describe  the  omnivorous  birds,  which 
come  next  in  the  proposed  order,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  make 
some  remarks  on  the  practice  of  destroying  them,  which  prer 
vails  to  a  great  extent  in  our  state.  Sometimes  it  is  deliber- 
ately done,  by  those  who  wish  to  secure  their  orchards  and 
gardens ;  and,  in  such  cases,  there  is  a  right,  no  doubt,  to  pre- 
vent aggressions,  if  possible.  But  far  more  are  killed  every 
year  by  wanton  boys,  who,  without  any  reason  but  their  own 
pleasure,  are  permitted  to  indulge  in  a  cruel  amusement,  from 
which  every  man  of  sense  and  feeling  should  carefully  with- 
hold his  children.  Any  one  who  can  find  sport  in  giving  pain 
to  animals,  needs  to  be  taught  the  first  principles  of  humanity  ; 
and,  lightly  as  this  matter  is  regarded,  it  is  certain  that  this 
thoughtless  indulgence  always  depraves  the  moral  feeling 
more  or  less,  and  leads  on  to  the  formation  of  habits  of  idle- 
ness which  are  not  easily  broken  in  after  years.  In  a  busy 
country  like  ours,  there  are  few,  beyond  the  age  of  boy-hood, 
who  have  time  for  play  ;  a  civilized  man  is  supposed  to  find 
his  enjoyments  in  his  duties  ;  and  if  he  needs  relaxation,  he 
can  find  it  without  torturing  animals,  whose  right  to  happiness 
is  as  good  as  his  own. 

It  is,  however,  in  the  light  of  utility,  that  this  subject  can 
be  most  forcibly  presented;  and  it  will  be  seen,  that,  to  exter- 
minate birds  which  do  a  little  harm  occasionally,  is  to  protect 


278  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

ourselves  from  a  small  evil  at  the  expense  of  a  greater  ;  it  is 
in  fact  scouring  the  fruit  by  the  sacrifice  of  the  tree.  There 
is  no  question  that  we  are  now  suffering  severely  in  conse- 
quence of  this  folly.  No  kind  of  cultivation  is  affected  to  any 
considerable  extent  by  the  depredations  of  birds,  and  if  it 
should  be,  means  may  be  devised  to  prevent  them.  Not  so 
with  the  insects  and  their  ravages ;  the  fate  of  the  locust,  the 
apple,  the  pear,  and  many  other  trees,  shows,  that  if  insects 
fasten  themselves  upon  one  of  them,  we  must  give  it  up  as 
lost,  for  all  that  we  at  present  know.  Surely,  then,  of  two 
evils  we  should  submit  to  the  one  which  may  possibly  be  pre- 
vented, rather  than  invite  and  encourage  one  over  which  we 
have  no  control. 

A  slight  calculation  will  show  what  an  amount  of  service 
birds  are  able  to  render.  Wilson  makes  the  computation,  that 
each  red-winged  blackbird  devours  on  an  average  fifty  grubs  a 
day  ;  so  that  a  single  pair,  in  four  months,  will  consume  more 
than  twelve  thousand.  Allowing  that  there  are  a  million  pairs 
of  these  birds  in  New  England  in  summer,  which  is  but  a 
moderate  estimate,  they  would  destroy  twelve  thousand  mil- 
lions. Let  any  one  consider  what  an  immense  injury  that 
number  of  insects  would  do,  and  this  would  be  sufficiently 
striking  to  show  how  much  we  are  indebted  to  the  labors  of 
these  birds.  But  the  computation  may  be  greatly  extended, 
for  many  insects  have  young  by  the  hundred  ;  beside  cutting 
off  the  existing  destroyers,  they  are  prevented  from  multiply- 
ing ;  and  when  we  consider  what  myriads  of  birds  there  are, 
constantly  and  efficiently  engaged  in  this  service,  it  gives  us  an 
impression,  beyond  the  power  of  calculation  to  reach,  of  the 
astonishing  manner  in  which  the  increase  of  insects  is  kept 
down,  simply  by  sparing  the  lives  of  their  natural  destroyers ; 
and  this,  it  must  be  remembered,  is  the  only  means  of  prevent- 
ing their  increase  and  reducing  their  formidable  numbers.  No 
other  remedy  that  man  can  apply  will  reach  the  evil ;  this  is 
the  vocation  of  birds  ;  and  if.  for  the  sake  of  removing  a  small 
evil,  we  will  not  permit  them  to  live  and  labor  in  it,  we  must 
not  complain  when  the  natural  consequences  come. 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  279 

*  "t* 

This  is  not  mere  speculation  j  we  have  experience  to  teach 

us  on  this  subject.  Kalm  records,  that  after  some  states  had 
paid  three  pence  a  dozen  for  the  destruction  of  blackbirds,  the 
consequence  was  a  total  loss  in  the  year  1749,  of  all  the  grass 
and  grain,  by  means  of  insects  which  had  flourished  under  the 
protection  of  that  law.  The  example  of  our  trees,  just  alluded 
to,  is  also  a  standing  warning ;  for  we  see  that  new  ones  are 
adding  to  their  numbers.  The  maple,  perhaps  the  most  valued 
of  our  ornamental  trees,  is  now  marked  out  for  destruction, 
and  in  spite  of  all  that  we  can  do,  will  soon  be  entirely  lost. 
There  is  nothing  to  prevent  this  process  from  going  on ;  other 
trees  will  soon  swell  the  list  of  victims  ;  and  when  it  is  too 
late,  we  shall  lament  that  we  have  extended  the  evil,  by  pro- 
tecting our  enemies  and  persecuting  our  friends.  Every  culti- 
vator, for  his  own  sake,  as  well  as  the  public  good,  should  en- 
deavor to  spread  right  views  on  this  subject,  and  to  show  that 
the  wanton  extermination  of  birds,  is  throwing  difficulties 
in  the  way  of  horticulture  and  farming,  which  no  industry, 
science,  or  skill  can  overcome. 

The  AMERICAN  STARLING,  Sturnus  ludovicianus,  better 
known  by  the  name  of  meadow  lark,  is  a  beautiful  bird,  and 
one  of  the  most  welcome  messengers  of  spring.  Wilson  thought 
it  far  superior  to  the  sky  lark  in  sweetness  of  voice,  though 
not  equal  to  it  in  compass  and  power.  By  others,  its  song  is 
underrated  ;  and  the  truth  is  that  the  notes  of  different  individ- 
uals vary  from  each  other,  some  having  a  wiery  and  lisping 
voice,  while  that  of  others  is  eminently  sweet. 

The  favorite  haunts  of  this  bird  are  meadows  and  old  fields. 
They  can 'walk  easily  on  trees,  but  prefer  the  ground,  where 
they  employ  themselves  in  searching  for  insects  and  berries, 
almost  always  associated  in  companies,  though  not  very  near 
each  other.  If  a  gun  be  fired,  great  numbers  will  start  from 
different  parts  of  the  same  field.  They  are  always  gentle  and 
retiring,  and  never  show  any  disposition  to  encroach  upon  the 
orchard  or  the  garden.  In  winter,  they  resort  to  the  open 
woods,  but  in  the  close,  deep  forests,  they  are  never  found. 
Some  of  them  are  seen  with  us  late  in  winter ;  but  the  great 


280  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

body  doubtless  emigrate  to  the  south,  since  they  are  found  at 
that  season  in  the  Floridas,  in  great  numbers,  and  some  retire 
beyond  the  limits  of  the  Union. 

In  the  pairing  time,  these  birds  select  a  tuft  in  the  field  or 
meadow,  and  there  construct  their  nest  with  coarse  grass,  with 
a  lining  of  the  same  material.  It  is  in  the  form  of  an  oven, 
and  is  ingeniously  concealed  by  matting  together  the  blades 
that  surround  it.  It  is  also  provided  with  a  retired  avenue, 
through  which  only  one  at  a  time  can  enter.  The  eggs  are 
white,  blotched,  and  sprinkled  with  reddish  brown.  These 
birds  are  very  kind  and  friendly  to  each  other.  While  the 
female  sits,  the  male  provides  her  with  food  and  watches  over 
her  retreat.  When  the  young  are  hatched,  toward  the  end 
of  June,  they  both  guard  and  provide  for  them  with  affection- 
ate care.  The  lark  has  few  enemies  excepting  hawks  and 
snakes  and  young  sportsmen.  The  farmer  brings  no  charge 
against  him,  and  even  children  spare  the  nest  and  the  young. 

The  BALTIMORE  ORIOLE,  Icterus  Baltimore,  is  perhaps  the 
most  splendid  of  all  our  summer  visitors,  and  is  admired,  both 
for  the  richness  of  its  plumage  and  the  full-hearted  sweetness 
of  its  song.  It  is  known  by  various  names ;  children  call  it 
the  gold-robin ;  it  is  often  called  the  hang-bird,  from  the  pecu- 
liar nest  which  it  suspends  from  the  tree,  and  some  give  it  the 
poetical  name  of  fire-bird,  from  its  glancing  through  the  foliage 
like  a  flame  of  fire.  Most  birds  of  this  family  remain  in  tropi- 
cal climates,  where  they  need  an  inaccessible  nest  to  secure 
them  from  serpents,  monkeys,  and  other  artful  foes,  and  when 
they  come  to  us,  they  retain  the  same  habit,  though  exposed  to 
no  such  dangers.  They  are  not,  however,  without  that  pro- 
phetic instinct  which  is  so  remarkable  in  many  birds.  When 
they  build  in  the  south,  they  make  their  nest  from  the  light 
moss,  which  allows  the  air  to  pass  freely  through  it,  and,  as  if 
aware  of  the  heat  which  is  to  come,  complete  it  without  a 
lining  ;  while  in  the  cool  and  variable  climate  of  New  Eng- 
land, they  make  their  nests  of  soft  substances,  closely  woven, 
with  a  warm  lining,  and  hang  it  in  a  place  where  it  shall  have 
the  early  heat  of  the  sun. 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  281 

The  construction  of  this  nest  is  a  singular  process  of  art. 
The  male  takes  a  string,  stolen  perhaps  from  a  window,  and 
with  his  bill  and  claws  ties  one  end  to  a  drooping  twig  of  an 
elm  or  some  orchard  tree.  Having  secured  this,  he  proceeds 
to  fasten  the  other  end,  in  the  same  manner,  to  another  twig 
drooping  parallel  with  the  former,  a  few  inches  distant,  letting 
it  fall  between  the  two  twigs  like  a  swing.  The  female  then 
comes  and  fastens  another  string  so  as  to  cross  the  former,  and 
to  keep  the  twigs  in  their  place  as  a  circular  frame-work  for 
the  nest.  Having  thus  determined  its  depth  and  circumfer- 
ence, they  proceed  to  weave  a  coarse  cloth,  with  such  materi- 
als as  they  can  find,  forming  a  pouch,  impenetrable  to  the  ele- 
ments, in  the  bottom  of  which  they  place  the  real  nest,  the 
whole  fabric  being  shaded  by  the  arbor  of  leaves  above  it  from 
the  rain  and  the  heat  of  the  sun.  They  take  such  materials  as 
come  to  hand  ;  skeins  of  silk  and  thread,  which  have  been 
missed  by  housewives,  have  been  found  at  last,  woven  into  the 
baltimore's  nest.  It  is  difficult  to  understand  how  they  can  do 
this  without  the  aid  of  mechanic  art  ;  but  Nuttall  observed 
that  a  tame  one  was  constantly  endeavoring  to  thrust  his  bill 
between  the  closed  fingers,  in  order  to  force  them  open ;  which 
helps  to  explain  the  manner  in  which  they  open  interstices  and 
insert  threads  in  the  process  of  weaving.  The  female  lays 
from  four  to  six  eggs,  of  pale  brown,  dotted,  spotted  and  lined 
with  dark  brown.  A  day  or  two  before  the  young  are  able  to 
leave  the  nest,  they  creep  in  and  out,  and  sometimes  cling  to 
the  outside.  After  leaving  it,  they  are  fed  and  protected  by 
their  parents  for  several  days,  and  then  driven  forth  to  try  their 
own  fortunes  in  the  world. 

The  motions  of  this  bird  are  singularly  animated  and  grace- 
ful. They  are  often  seen  clinging  by  the  feet,  like  a  rope- 
dancer,  in  order  to  reach  some  insect  from  a  branch  beneath 
them.  In  the  spring,  they  feed  almost  entirely  on  insects,  and 
it  is  evident,  that,  numerous  and  active  as  they  are,  their  servi- 
ces must  be  of  great  value.  Nor  can  they  be  accused  of  doing 
harm  to  any  extent,  natural  as  it  would  seem  for  them  to  claim 
some  reward  for  their  labors.  They  are  often  charged  with 
36 


282  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

plundering  the  pea-vines  in  the  garden ;  but  Dr.  Harris  has 
shown  that  they  resort  to  them  for  the  sake  of  the  grub  of  the 
pea-bug,  which  they  draw  out  from  its  shelter,  and  thus  protect 
the  vegetable  which  they  are  said  to  destroy.  But  it  is  not 
necessary  to  plead  the  cause  of  this  universal  favorite  ;  he 
seems  to  know  the  esteem  in  which  he  is  held,  and  he  builds 
as  readily  in  the  elm  that  swings  over  the  city  street,  as  on  the 
tree  that  shades  the  cottage  door  in  the  country. 

The  RED-WINGED  BLACKBIRD,  Icterus  phceniceus,  is  well 
known  in  all  parts  of  Massachusetts,  and  though  sometimes 
mischievous  here  as  well  as  elsewhere,  is  not  disliked  and  per- 
secuted, as  he  is  in  many  other  states.  On  the  contrary,  the 
pleasant  associations  of  spring  are  awakened  by  his  coming  ; 
some  of  his  notes  are  agreeable  to  the  ear,  and  his  bright  red  wing 
coverts,  contrasted  with  his  glossy  black  plumage,  make  him  a 
striking  object  in  the  meadows  where  he  resides.  As  soon  as 
these  birds  hear  the  voice  of  spring,  they  set  out  from  the 
southern  states  for  the  north,  in  small  flocks,  the  males  singing 
an  invitation  for  the  females  to  follow.  They  often  reach  us 
before  the  snows  are  gone,  and  are  seen  laboring  to  collect 
worms,  grubs  and  caterpillars,  as  they  walk  with  a  rapid  and 
graceful  step  over  the  meadows  and  fields.  They  often  follow 
the  ploughman  to  collect  the  insects  turned  up  by  the  share, 
and  move  with  easy  confidence,  knowing  that  they  may  trust 
his  good  nature  then,  if  at  no  other  time.  In  fact,  they  seem 
to  know,  that  they  can  do  for  us,  in  the  way  of  exterminating 
these  enemies  of  all  vegetation,  what  nothing  else  can ;  and  to 
take  it  for  granted,  that  man,  who  is  blessed  with  reason,  will 
make  some  use  of  it  and  not  deprive  himself  of  services  which 
no  other  creature  can  render.  This  calculation,  like  many 
others  made  on  human  wisdom,  is  often  disappointed,  and  men 
and  hawks  combine  to  reduce  their  numbers,  but  in  vain. 

The  red-wings  build  their  nests  in  marshes  or  wet  meadows, 
forming  the  exterior  of  coarse  dried  weeds,  lined  with  fine 
grass  or  hair,  and  sometimes  secured  to  the  ground  by  such 
cordage  as  the  place  affords.  The  eggs  are  from  four  to  six, 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  283 

light,  blue,  thinly  spotted  with  dusky.  In  August  the  young 
are  ready  to  associate  in  flocks,  and  this  is  the  time  when  they 
are  found  in  such  countless  numbers,  feeding  upon  the  corn. 
Those  who  make  war  upon  them,  resemble  the  traveller,  who, 
annoyed  by  the  chirping  of  grasshoppers,  alighted  from  his 
horse  to  put  them  all  to  death.  When  fired  upon,  they  only 
remove  from  one  part  of  the  field  to  another  ;  and  as  for  scare- 
crows, they  seem  to  be  rather  entertained  by  such  exhibitions 
of  human  skill. 

The  Cow  BLACKBIRD,  Icterus  pecoris,  is  never  numerous,  like 
the  former,  and  is  so  much  less  inclined  to  the   corn-field  than 
to  the  insects  which  are  found  in  it,  that  it  cannot  be  regarded 
as  an  enemy  of  man.     But  it   is  generally   detested  for  other 
good  and  sufficient  reasons,  that  is,  if  we  suppose   the  bird  to 
be  a  moral  agent,  and  fully  acquainted  with  the  enormity  of  its 
own  proceedings.     Inclined  to  perpetual  roving,  and  having  a 
strong  aversion  to  all  domestic  cares,  the  cow-bird  contrives  to 
escape  them  by  laying  its  eggs  in   the  nests  of  other  birds, 
making  them  foundling  hospitals  for  its  own  young.     When 
the  owner  of  the  nest  returns,  for  the  cow-bird  takes  advantage 
of  its  absence,  and  when  it  finds  the  stranger  in  its  premises,  it 
manifests  much  uneasiness  and  agitation.     Sometimes  it  throws 
it  out,  but  as  small  birds  are  the  victims  on  those  occasions,  it 
often  has  not  strength  for  the   effort.     If  that  is  the  case,  it 
sometimes  covers  up  the   egg  by  making  a  new  floor  to  the 
nest.     If  unable  to  do  either,  it  submits  patiently  to  the  impo- 
sition.    The  cow-bird's  egg  is  always  hatched  first,  and  the 
young  cow-bird  sometimes  stifles  the  lawful  heirs  by  its  supe- 
rior size.     The  parent  bird  however,  feeds  it,  and  treats  it  with 
more  kindness  than  could  be  expected  under  the  circumstan- 
ces ;  and  the  foundling,  as  if  aware  of  his  obligation,  conducts 
with  decency  and  respect,  making  various  ineffectual  efforts  to 
strike  a  tune,  in  acknowledgment  of  the  kindness  of  its  bene- 
factor. 

These  birds  are  named  from  their  habit  of  following  cattle, 


284  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

to  which  they  are  of  service,  by  catching  the  insects  that  mo- 
lest them.  They  come  with  the  spring,  and  leave  us  in  Oc- 
tober, in  company  with  their  cousins,  the  red-wings,  with 
which  they  associate  very  little  while  here,  perhaps  because 
they  are  remarkable  for  that  philoprogenitiveness  in  which  the 
cow-birds  are  so  shamefully  wanting. 

The  RICE  BUNTING,  Icterus  agripennis,  which  has  received 
its  name  from  the  wild-rice  on  which  it  feeds,  is  much  better 
known  among  us  by  the  name  of  bob-o-link.  a  word  resem- 
bling its  notes,  some  of  which  are  wonderfully  sweet.  It  is 
not  among  the  pioneers  of  spring,  but  whenever  it  arrives  from 
the  south,  it  is  warmly  welcomed,  and  gives  great  animation 
to  the  meadows  by  its  parti-colored  dress,  its  busy  chatter,  and 
its  queer  and  lively  motions.  Here,  it  does  very  little  injury 
to  the  grain,  though  it  is  said  to  be  troublesome  in  the  southern 
states.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  incessantly  employed  in  exter- 
minating crickets,  grasshoppers,  and  ground-spiders,  creatures 
which  are  especially  beholden  to  those  who  make  war  on  this 
beautiful  bird.  But  it  is  not  nearly  so  much  persecuted  in 
New  England  as  in  other  parts  of  the  country,  where  it  is 
regarded  as  delicious  food  and  sent  to  the  markets  in  great 
numbers.-  How  far  to  the  south  they  go  on  their  return,  is  not 
certainly  known ;  it  is  thought,  that  many  of  them  pass  the 
winter  in  the  West  India  islands. 

The  nest  of  the  rice-bird  is  always  among  the  grass  or 
grain,  and  composed  of  coarse  grass,  lined  with  that  which  is 
finer.  The  eggs  are  from  four  to  six,  white,  tinged  with  blue, 
and  spotted  with  a  blackish  color.  As  soon  as  the  young  are 
able  to  fly,  they  all  begin  to  gather  in  flocks,  the  males  having 
put  off  their  summer  uniform,  and  wearing  the  quaker  dress 
of  the  females  and  young.  This  is  the  time  for  their  depre- 
dations, and  immense  foraging  parties  lay  waste  the  fields  of 
the  middle  and  southern  states.  For  this  purpose  they  fly  by 
day,  whereas  in  their  migration  eastward,  in  the  spring,  theyi 
fly  only  by  night. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  285 

The  CROW  BLACKBIRD,  Quiscalus  versicolor,  is  an  active  and 
sociable  bird,  who  warns  us  by  his  loud  clanking  note,  late  in 
the  spring,  that  he  is  once  more  in  our  fields  and  gardens,  ap- 
parently unconscious  that  there  can  be  any  objection.  He  is 
one  of  those  creatures,  concerning  which  it  is  difficult  to  say 
whether  they  are  friends  or  foes  ;  sometimes  they  are  the  one, 
sometimes  the  other,  and  it  is  only  by  striking  a  balance  be- 
tween the  service  and  the  injury,  that  we  can  determine  how 
to  regard  them.  That  the  grakle  pulls  up  corn  for  the  sake  of 
the  seed,  is  undeniable  ;  but  it  is  also  true  that  it  devours  im- 
mense numbers  of  insects,  grubs,  and  caterpillars  ;  perhaps  it 
may  be  possible  to  secure  his  services  and  prevent  his  depre- 
dations ;  and  farmers  are  now  trying  to  accomplish  this  object 
by  preparing  the  seed  before  it  is  sown,  in  some  solution  which 
shall  make  it  less  tempting  to  the  crow  blackbird. 

This  bird  returns  from  the  south  early  in  the  spring,  and  large 
numbers  resort  together  to  some  favorite  tree,  where  they  asso- 
ciate with  each  other  on  the  most  friendly  terms,  and  keep  up  a 
perpetual  chatter.  They  build  also  in  communities,  sometimes 
in  bushes,  but  most  frequently  in  a  large  tree.  The  nest  is 
made  of  mud  and  coarse  grass,  with  a  lining  of  fine  grass  and 
horse  hair.  The  eggs  are  five  or  six,  green,  blotched  with 
dark  olive.  As  soon  as  the  leaves  fall,  the  young  set  out  with 
their  parents,  in  vast  collections,  on  their  return  to  the  south, 
laying  the  country  under  contribution  as  they  go.  No  matter 
how  much  they  are  fired  upon,  they  think  it  better  to  be  shot 
than  to  starve,  and  all  the  efforts  of  the  farmer  cannot  drive 
them  from  his  fields.  Audubon  says  that  the  southern  farmers 
soak  their  seed  in  a  solution  of  Glauber's  salts,  which  is  believed 
to  make  it  less  palatable  to  the  birds  in  the  spring. 

The  BLACK  ORIOLE,  Quiscalus  baritus,  is  seldom  seen  in 
this  vicinity,  and  probably  rests  here  but  a  little  while,  on 
its  annual  migration.  One  has  been  obtained  by  Mr.  Samuel 
Cabot,  jr.  in  the  neighborhood  of  Boston. 


286  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  RUSTY  GRAKLE,  Quiscalus  ferrugineus,  is  much  more 
common  than  the  former  in  the  western  part  of  the  state.  On 
their  way  to  the  north,  they  are  in  haste,  having  an  immense 
distance  to  travel ;  on  their  return,  they  are  more  deliberate, 
and  are  seen  in  the  field  in  large  flocks,  keeping  company  with 
the  cattle.  Neither  this  nor  the  former  rears  its  young  in  this 
state. 

The  AMERICAN  CROW,  Corvus  Americanus,  persecuted  as  it 
has  been  for  years,  still  abounds  in  Massachusetts,  as  is  testi- 
fied by  the  scare  crows  and  other  ornamental  devices,  that 
embellish  our  fields  in  the  spring.  It  is  not  to  be  supposed 
that  the  sagacious  crow  mistakes  for  living  beings  these  pro- 
ductions of  the  statuary's  art ;  but  he  easily  understands  what 
they  are  meant  for,  and  makes  his  depredations  in  a  less  public 
manner  than  he  might  otherwise  do.  His  suspicions  are  al- 
ways awake,  and  he  exerts  a  caution,  which  has  given  rise  to 
the  imagination  that  he  can  smell  powder ;  but  this,  though  a 
common  belief,  implies  a  delicacy  of  sense  and  a  knowledge 
of  cause  and  effect,  quite  beyond  the  compass  even  of  the 
crow.  His  bearing  in  a  domesticated  state  contrasts  power- 
fully with  his  shyness  when  wild ;  he  becomes  familiar  and 
easy,  talks  loudly  and  incessantly,  steals  and  secretes  whatever 
he  perceives  is  valued,  opens  the  door  by  treading  on  the  latch, 
and  plays  a  great  variety  of  tricks,  some  of  them  laughable, 
others  very  annoying.  In  his  wild  state,  he  exerts  all  this 
shrewdness  in  the  work  of  procuring  a  subsistence.  His  art 
is  so  perfect,  that  he  can,  by  inserting  his  bill  in  the  egg  of 
the  largest  bird,  carry  it  away  from  the  nest  to  be  eaten  at  his 
leisure.  In  this  manner,  he  will  bear  away,  one  after  another 
all  the  eggs  in  the  nest  of  a  wild  turkey.  His  cunning  does 
not  arise  from  want  of  courage,  for  he  may  sometimes  be  seen 
chasing  a  hawk  or  an  eagle,  which,  pressed  by  numbers,  is 
compelled  to  sound  a  retreat.  In  this  way  he  often  officiates 
as  a  guardian  of  the  domestic  poultry. 

The  crow  feeds  on   almost  every  thing  eatable,    without 
choice  or  delicacy  in  the  selection.     It  devours  fruits,  vegeta- 


BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  287 

bles,  and  seeds  ;  snakes,  frogs,  and  other  reptiles  are  also  to  its 
taste  ;  it  does  not  despise  worms,  grubs,  and  insects  ;  and  if 
hungry,  will  eat  the  flesh  of  animals  when  so  far  decayed  that 
even  an  epicure  would  reject  it.  Farmers  are  very  bitter  in 
their  feeling  toward  the  crow,  but  perhaps  they  would  be  more 
moderate  in  their  resentment  at  his  depredations,  if  they  were 
aware,  that  the  cut-worm  has  the  benefit  of  all  their  efforts  to 
destroy  the  crow.  Whether  that  voracious  grub  will  feel  any 
gratitude  for  this  protection,  may  be  doubted. 

The  crow  selects  the  most  retired  places  for  its  nest,  forming 
it  of  dry  twigs  interwoven  with  grass  and  plastered  with  mud 
or  clay,  with  a  lining  of  fibrous  roots  and  feathers.  The  eggs 
are  from  four  to  six,  of  a  pale  green  spotted  and  clouded  with 
olive  or  blackish  brown.  Both  the  male  and  female  sit,  and 
are  remarkable  for  their  attachment  to  their  young  as  well  as 
to  each  other.  If  any  nest  is  approached,  all  the  crows  in  the 
neighborhood  gather  in  crowds  and  express  their  disgust  at 
the  transaction.  As  soon  as  the  young  are  able  to  fly,  the 
parents  introduce  them  into  the  community  of  crows,  and  they 
remain  in  flocks  till  the  spring.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  they 
spend  the  winter  here. 

The  BLUE  JAY,  Corvus  cristatus,  one  of  the  most  graceful 
and  elegant  of  all  the  feathered  race,  is  very  troublesome  to 
other  birds,  which  he  persecutes  by  stealing  their  eggs;  and 
sometimes  by  destroying  their  young  ;  but  he  can  hardly  be 
called  a  nuisance  by  the  farmer,  since  it  is  only  in  winter,  that 
he  comes  into  enclosures  in  search  of  food,  and  then  he  takes 
little,  except  what  has  accidentally  fallen  from  the  corn-house 
or  the  barn.  In  the  southern  states,  his  depredations  are  much 
greater,  and  the  planters  soak  their  seed  in  a  solution  of  arse- 
nic, which  proves  fatal  to  the  robber.  These  birds  are  said  to 
abound  at  the  south  in  winter  ;  but  if  any  really  migrate  from 
Massachusetts,  it  must  be  but  a  small  proportion  ;  since,  if  a 
handful  of  corn  be  anywhere  thrown  upon  the  snow,  it  will  be 
very  soon  surrounded  with  a  busy  and  animated  party  ;  and, 
bad  as  their  reputation  is,  no  one  can  help  admiring  their  beau- 


288  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

tiful  colors  and  lively  motions.  It  is  impossible  to  deny  that 
their  reputation  is  deserved.  One  of  them,  in  Charleston,  de- 
stroyed all  the  birds  in  an  aviary.  A  flying  squirrel  was  once 
put  into  the  cage  of  a  blue  jay  for  one  night,  and  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  it  was  found  killed  and  partly  eaten  ;  but,  savage 
as  he  is,  his  courage  is  not  proof;  many  smaller  birds  will 
drive  him  away  from  their  nest ;  he,  therefore,  creeps  to  it  in 
their  absence,  and  will  thus  steal  round  a  whole  neighborhood 
daily,  to  devour  the  new-laid  eggs.  He  sometimes  frightens 
away  the  smaller  birds,  by  imitating  the  sparrow  hawk's  voice. 
In  this  power  of  mimicry  he  excels  ;  and  when  domesticated, 
he  counterfeits  the  sounds  and  voices  of  the  household  so  natu- 
rally as  often  to  occasion  much  perplexity  and  confusion. 

The  blue  jay  breeds  generally  in  the  United  States.  Here 
it  makes  a  coarse  nest  of  twigs  and  fibrous  roots,  on  some  for- 
est or  orchard  tree.  The  eggs  are  four  or  five,  of  a  dull  olive, 
spotted  with  brown. 

The  favorite  food  of  the  blue  jay  consists  of  chestnuts, 
acorns  and  Indian  corn.  It  always  breaks  the  corn ;  and  for 
this  purpose  holds  it  between  its  feet,  and  hammers  it  Avith  its 
bill.  But  almost  everything  eatable,  even  potatoes,  sometimes 
are  included  in  its  bill  of  fare,  and  it  should  not  be  omitted,  that 
they  render  service  by  destroying  insects  and  caterpillars  in 
great  numbers. 

The  BLACK-CAP  TITMOUSE,  Parus  atricapillus,  is  better 
known  by  the  name  of  Chicadee,  an  imitation  of  its  note  in 
winter,  when  it  is  exploring  the  trees  in  all  directions  to  find 
insects  and  their  grubs  or  eggs,  which  latter  form  its  favorite 
food.  By  their  labors  in  this  way  they  are  of  eminent  service, 
particularly  in  keeping  down  the  numbers  of  the  canker-worm, 
a  pest  which  human  ingenuity  is  wholly  unable  to  reach. 
When  these  are  wanting,  they  subsist  on  various  seeds,  hold- 
ing them  in  the  claws,  and  picking  them  open  with  the  bill. 
They  often  come  near  houses  also,  in  search  of  small  bits  of 
meat,  or  the  crumbs  which  are  swept  out  at  the  door.  They 
seem  perfectly  indifferent  to  the  change  of  seasons,  moving 


TIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  289 

about  gaily  in  the  severest  day;  but  they  give  the  spring, 
when  it  returns,  a  warm  and  grateful  welcome  ;  their  plaintive 
whistle  at  that  time,  resembling  the  words  phe-be,  with  rising 
and  falling  inflections,  is  one  of  the  sweetest  sounds  which  an- 
nounce the  morning  of  the  year. 

The  eggs  of  the  chicadee  are  laid  in  holes  in  trees,  which 
they  sometimes  excavate  with  their  bills,  without  the  formality 
of  preparing  a  nest.  They  are  from  six  to  twelve  in  number, 
white,  with  specks  of  brown  red.  The  young,  as  soon  as  fledged, 
resemble  the  parents,  and  associate  with  them,  in  a  cheerful 
party,  running  over  trees  in  all  directions,  sometimes  hanging 
with  the  head  downward,  and  leaving  no  crevice  unexplored 
where  insects  may  possibly  harbor. 

The  CEDAR  BIRD,  Bombycilla  Carolinensis,  is  well  known, 
or  as  some  would  say,  notorious,  and  not  so  generally  welcome 
as  one  might  suppose,  who  regarded  only  the  silken  delicacy  of 
its  plumage,  and  the  insatiable  appetite  with  which  it  gathers 
caterpillars,  beetles  and  cankerworms  from  the  trees.  The 
reason  is,  that  in  the  season  of  fruit,  they  repay  themselves  by 
eating  cherries,  pears,  and  other  luxuries  with  so  much  relish 
and  so  little  discretion,  that  they  have  been  known  to  gorge 
themselves  to  death.  When  they  alight  upon  a  tree,  they  are 
so  crowded  together  that  many  may  be  killed  by  a  single  shot. 
They  immediately  spread  themselves  over  the  branches,  pick- 
ing the  fruit  faster  thari  their  mouths  will  hold  it ;  and  not 
suspending  their  labor  for  an  instant,  except  to  invite  other 
flocks  that  may  be  passing  over,  to  descend  and  share  it  with 
them.  If  the  horticulturist,  who  sees  the  results  of  his  labor 
disappearing,  undertakes  to  prevent  it,  he  only  wastes  his  pow- 
der ;  that  some  of  their  number  are  shot,  is  a  matter  of  uncon- 
cern to  the  survivors  ;  he  may  gratify  his  revenge,  but  the 
scene  of  plunder  will  go  on  before  his  eyes  ;  and  he  can  only 
console  himself  with  the  reflection,  that,  in  proportion  to  the 
appetite  with  which  they  devour  his  fruit,  is  the  energy,  with 
which,  at  other  seasons,  they  take  his  part  against  enemies  which 
he  himself  cannot  reach.  The  truth  seems  to  be,  that,  till 
37 


290  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

fruit  becomes  more  common,  as  it  doubtless  will  be,  these  dep- 
redations will  continue  to  be  vexatious  and  discouraging  ;  and 
the  better  way  will  be,  to  accept  them  as  an  intimation,  to 
provide  enough  for  ourselves  and  the  cedar-birds  too. 

There  are  some  things  curious  and  unexplained  in  the  habits 
of  this  bird.  They  may  not  unfrequently  be  seen  sitting  in  a 
row,  when  one  who  has  found  a  favorite  morsel,  hands  it  to  his 
next  neighbor,  he,  instead  of  eating  it,  passes  it  on,  and  thus 
it  goes  round,  each  one  declining  it  with  a  Parisian  nod  of  his 
tall  cap  that  is  perfectly  irresistible.  What  this  ceremonious 
display  may  mean,  it  is  not  so  easy  to  tell.  They  have  also  a 
habit,  when  wounded,  of  remaining  still  and  stiff,  as  if  dead, 
and  will  suffer  a  person  to  take  them  up  in  his  hand,  without 
the  least  effort  to  resist  or  get  away. 

They  generally  build,  in  the  orchard,  a  carelessly  construct- 
ed nest,  of  coarse  grass  lined  with  fine.  The  ergs  are  about 
four,  of  a  purplish  white  marked  with  black  spots,  larger  to- 
ward the  great  end.  The  young  are  fed  at  first  on  insects, 
and  afterwards  on  fruit.  The  parental  affection  of  the  old 
birds  is  not  exemplary,  since,  if  the  nest  is  approached,  their 
impulse  is  to  take  particular  care  of  themselves.  Gentleness, 
however,  is  the  uniform  characteristic  of  this  bird.  It  comes 
to  us  in  the  beginning  of  April,  and  remains  till  late,  being  a 
northern  bird,  and  capable  of  enduring  cold. 

The  WAXEN  CHATTERER,  Bombycilla  garrula,  is  a  bird  hith- 
erto supposed  to  be  unknown  in  Massachusetts ;  but  I  learn 
from  Dr.  Brewer,  that  an  individual  of  this  species  was  pursued 
in  this  State  by  the  younger  Mr.  Audubon,  who  is  familiar 
with  birds  of  all  descriptions.  It  must  therefore  be  set  down 
as  a  visiter  in  our  State,  though  probably  accidental. 


BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  291 


INSECTIVOROUS    BIRDS. 

The  GREAT  AMERICAN  SHRIKE,  Lanius  septcntrionalis,  is 
commonly  called  the  Butcher  bird,  from  its  habit  of  destroying 
other  birds.  It  pursues  them  with  a  vigor  from  which  they 
cannot  escape,  and  strikes  at  them,  even  when  kept  in  cages 
and  under  the  protection  of  man.  There  have  been  many  cases 
in  which  it  has  thus  risked  its  own  life  and  liberty  in  order  to 
secure  its  prey.  But  Wilson  was  of  opinion,  that  grasshoppers 
and  other  insects  were  its  main  dependence  for  food,  and  that 
it  was  only  when  pressed  with  hunger,  that  it  preyed  on  other 
birds.  Still,  it  has  the  habit  of  imitating  the  notes  of  other 
birds,  particularly  such  as  indicate  anxiety  and  distress,  and  it 
does  it  apparently  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  the  companions 
of  the  supposed  sufferers  within  its  reach. 

All  who  have  paid  any  attention  to  this  bird,  have  remarked 
its  curious  habit  of  impaling  on  thorns  the  insects  it  has  caught, 
and  there  leaving  them  to  decay.  This  practice  of  gathering 
what  he  does  not  want,  and  keeping  it  till  it  can  be  of  no  use 
to  him,  is  regarded  as  an  unaccountable  mystery  in  a  bird, 
while  in  man,  the  same  proceeding  is  considered  natural  and 
wise.  It  can  hardly  be  meant  as  a  decoy,  for,  as  just  stated, 
it  has  the  power  of  attracting  other  birds  by  false  appeals  to 
their  sympathy,  and  does  not  need  to  take  this  trouble.  It 
may  sometimes  be  heard  sending  out  these  false  alarms,  and 
when  the  poor  birds  collect,  in  anxiety  to  learn  what  the  matter 
is,  it  darts  at  one  of  them  and  fills  the  air  with  the  cries  of  a 
real  victim. 

Though  the  feet  of  this  bird  are  small,  the  claws  are  sharp, 
and  can  inflict  a  severe  wound.  Its  flight  is  bold  and  strong, 
and  on  this  it  depends  for  securing  its  prey.  It  is  seldom,  if 
ever,  seen  walking  on  the  ground.  At  the  approach  of  spring, 
most  of  them  leave  us,  though  some  are  said  to  pass  the  sum- 
mer in  the  forests  of  New  England. 


292  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  AMERICAN  GREY  SHRIKE,  Lanius  excubitroides,  is  said 
by  Nuttall  to  be  seen  in  winter  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston. 

The  KING-BIRD.  Muscicapa  tyrannus,  is  with  us  from  the 
middle  of  May  to  September.  All  this  time  he  labors  diligent- 
ly in  our  gardens,  destroying  beetles,  crickets,  grasshoppers, 
and  cankerworms,  without  claiming  any  reward.  In  fact,  he 
seems  to  take  the  whole  farm  under  his  protection,  and  if  a 
hawk  ventures  near,  he  attacks  him  with  so  much  fury,  flying 
over  him  and  plunging  on  his  head  and  back,  that  the  hawk 
and  even  the  eagle  is  glad  to  leave  the  field.  The  only  in- 
stance in  which  he  is  supposed  to  do  mischief,  is  in  catching 
the  bees  as  they  are  engaged  among  the  flowers.  This  how- 
ever is  not  common  enough  to  be  a  subject  of  complaint  or  re- 
venge. The  king-bird  fears  no  enemy  except  the  purple 
martin,  which  has  the  advantage  in  its  superiority  of  flight  ; 
thus  on  many  occasions,  they  combine  their  forces  to  repel  any 
intruder  upon  their  bounds. 

The  king-bird's  nest  is  constructed  of  coarse  stalks  of  grass, 
with  flakes  of  wool,  tow,  or  down,  woven  in  between,  and  lined 
with  fibrous  roots  arid  horse  hair.  The  eggs  are  from  four  to 
six  in  number,  blush-color,  spotted  with  brown.  They  are 
very  affectionate  toward  their  young.  I  once  observed  a  pair 
building  on  a  decaying  tree,  apparently  unaware  that  all  the 
branches  of  the  tree  were  dead,  except  the  one  which  con- 
tained their  nest.  When  the  young  were  hatched,  the  weather 
became  intensely  hot.  and  the  nest  was  entirely  open  to  the 
sun.  In  order  to  shield  their  offspring,  the  old  birds  stood,  by 
turns,  on  the  side,  with  their  wings  spread  so  as  to  overshadow 
them.  The  position  was  evidently  constrained  and  painful  ; 
they  panted  with  the  effort  and  the  heat  ;  but  they  did  not 
grow  weary  of  it  till  the  weather  relented,  and  the  protection 
was  no  longer  needed  by  the  young.  If  a  cat  appears  in  the 
vicinity  of  their  nest,  the  king-birds  attack  her  so  violently 
that  she  is  glad  to  retreat,  though  somewhat  ashamed  to  yield 
to  such  a  little  foe. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  293 

The  GREAT-CRESTED  FLYCATCHER,  Muscicapa  crinita,  is 
spoken  of  by  Nuttall,  as  nearly  unknown  in  New  England. 
It  is  probably  more  common  in  other  parts  of  tho  state  than  in 
the  vicinity  of  Boston  ;  though  I  learn  from  Dr.  Brewer,  that 
Mr.  Cabot,  who  is  familiar  with  the  bird,  has  seen  it  in  Cam- 
bridge. Professor  Emmons  a:  sures  me  that  it  breeds  in  Berk- 
shire. It  is  doubtless  one  of  our  birds,  but  not  numerous 
enough  at  present  to  be  of  much  importance.  It  is  dif- 
ficult to  say  why  its  reach  of  migration  should  be  less  than 
that  of  other  birds  of  its  tribe,  which  do  not  equal  it  in  hardi- 
hood arid  power  of  flight,  nor  can  any  natural  cause  be  im- 
agined which  should  prevent  its  going  farther  to  the  north 
than  our  southern  border.  Its  food,  consisting  of  insects, 
grapes,  and  berries,  such  as  those  of  the  poke-weed,  can  be 
found  any  where.  It  was  probably  some  accidental  preference 
in  the  beginning,  afterwards  continued  from  habit,  which  con- 
fines this  species  to  the  southern  parts  of  New  England. 

The  PEWIT  FLYCATCHER,  Muscicapa  atra.  commonly  known 
by  the  name  of  phoebe,  is  a  familiar  and  welcome  bird ;  not 
valued  for  its  beauty  or  its  song,  in  both  which  respects  it  is 
deficient,  but  held  in  general  esteem,  because  it  reposes  con- 
fidence in  man.  Its  favorite  resorts  are  bridges  and  barns  and 
similar  frequented  places.  It  prefers  the  vicinity  of  water,  but 
this  is  not  indispensable  ;  it  cares  rather  for  a  good  hunting 
ground  for  insects,  and  as  these  are  most  abundant  in  the 
places  just  mentioned,  the  phoebe  generally  selects  them. 
There  it  sits  on  some  roof  or  post,  singing  its  song,  such  as  it 
is,  occasionally  suspending  it  to  dart  after  a  passing  fly.  As 
these  birds  are  active  and  successful  in  this  pursuit,  the  do- 
mestic cattle  are  not  a  little  benefited  by  their  labors. 

The  phoebe  returns  from  its  winter  quarters  in  the  begin- 
ning of  April.  At  first  it  resorts  to  the  woods,  but  soon  comes 
into  the  village  to  select  a  place  for  its  nest.  It  is  remarkable 
for  its  local  attachment,  and  will  return  to  the  same  place,  year 
after  year,  even  when  it  has  been  disturbed  repeatedly  in  its 
possession.  It  builds  under  bridges,  in  caves,  or  the  sides  of 


294  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

wells,  under  the  eaves  of  buildings,  or  in  barns,  making  the 
nest  sometimes  on  the  top  of  a  beam  and  sometimes  attaching 
it  to  the  side.  The  eggs  are  about  five,  of  a  pure  white.  As 
the  nest  and  the  young  are  so  little  concealed  from  observation, 
they  are  often  destroyed  by  boys  taking  early  lessons  in  in- 
humanity, and  their  parents  little  suspect  how  much  such 
practices  can  do  to  brutalize  the  character  and  moral  feeling. 
Audubon  gives  a  very  interesting  account  of  a  pair,  which  be- 
came so  familiar  with  his  presence  and  so  well  satisfied  of  his 
good  intentions,  that  they  made  no  objection  to  his  going  up 
to  their  nest  and  handling  the  young.  He  tied  threads  round 
the  legs  of  some  ;  but  not  having  any  particular  need  of  garters, 
they  or  the  old  ones,  always  contrived  to  remove  them.  He 
then  made  use  of  silver  thread,  which  they  could  not  displacey 
and  the  next  year  found  that  some  of  those  thus  distinguishedr 
had  returned  to  the  same  spot.  After  an  absence  of  two  yearsy 
he  revisited  the  spot,  and  found  that  one  of  the  birds  knew 
him,  while  the  other  was  distrustful  and  shy.  On  inquiry,  it 
appeared  that  a  boy  had  killed  the  female  and  her  young,  and 
that  the  old  male  had  brought  home  a  second  wife,  who  knew 
nothing  of  him  as  a  friend  of  the  family,  while  her  husband 
remembered  him  well.  Before  the  country  was  settled,  the 
phoebe,  no  doubt,  built  its  nest  on  the  rocky  banks  of  streams ; 
but  finding  an  advantage  in  acquaintance  with  man,  it  has 
left  its  old  haunts,  when  better  can  be  found. 

The  OLIVE-SIDED  FLY-CATCHER,  Muscicapa  Cooperii,  is  de- 
scribed by  Nuttall,  who  first  discovered  and  gave  it  a  name. 
He  says  that  it  is  doubtless  the  same  with  the  M.  borealis 
of  Richardson,  though  he  became  acquainted  with  it  before 
the  publication  of  the  "Northern  Zoology."  The  nest  of  this 
bird  is  said  to  resemble  that  of  the  king-bird,  and  the  eggs, 
those  of  the  wood  pewee.  Audubon  confirms  the  fact  that 
this  bird  is  found  in  Massachusetts,  but  the  line  of  its  migra- 
tion he  has  not  been  able  to  ascertain.  He  considers  it  as  a 
new  comer  into  the  country. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  295 

The  WOOD  PEWEE,  Musdcapa  vircns,  is  a  very  common 
summer  bird,  and  may  be  regarded  as  very  useful,  since, 
though  solitary  in  its  tastes  and  habits,  and  preferring  the  shel- 
ter of  the  woods,  it  is  very  often  found  in  orchards  and  fields. 
It  resorts  to  the  most  shaded  parts,  not  from  any  fear  or  dis- 
trust of  man,  but  because,  having  the  power  of  seeing  in  the 
obscure  twilight,  it  does  not  love  the  glare  of  day.  It  arrives 
in  Massachusetts  in  the  middle  of  May,  and  may  then  be  seen 
perched  on  low  stakes  or  branches,  occasionally  darting  after 
insects,  which  it  secures  with  a  snap  of  the  bill.  Its  song, 
heard  in  the  dusk  of  evening,  is  pleasant,  and  harmonizes  with 
the  calmness  of  the  hour. 

The  nest  of  the  wood  pewee  is  generally  built  on  a  horizon- 
tal branch,  somewhat  after  the  manner  of  the  humming  bird's, 
and  coated  over  with  moss,  so  as  hardly  to  be  distinguishable 
from  the  bark.  The  eggs  are  three  or  four,  of  a  yellowish 
white,  spotted  with  lilac  and  brown.  In  autumn,  when  the 
young  are  full  grown,  the  parents  bring  them  into  our  villages, 
and  even  our  cities,  and  teach  them  to  procure  their  food. 
They  sweep  so  near  the  surface  of  ponds,  as  to  snatch  the  in- 
sects floating  on  the  water  ;  sometimes  they  chase  them  from 
the  top  of  the  highest  tree.  Before  the  leaves  are  fallen,  they 
are  gone  to  their  winter  home. 

The  SMALL  PEWEE,  Musdcapa  Acadica,  is  a  very  common 
summer  bird,  which  comes  to  us  from  the  far  south,  toward 
the  close  of  April,  and  returns  in  September.  Like  the  former 
species,  it  prefers  retired  and  shaded  places,  where  it  sits  qui- 
etly on  a  low  branch,  waiting  for  insects  to  come  near.  When 
they  appear,  it  takes  a  sweep  and  secures  them,  and  then  re- 
turns to  its  station.  Its  note  is  sharp  and  not  pleasant ;  but 
the  bird  is  fearless  and  familiar,  not  removing  from  one  who 
passes  by,  till  he  comes  almost  within  reach.  Like  all  the  rest 
of  this  tribe,  it  is  eminently  useful  in  destroying  flies,  moths, 
and  various  other  insects  which  are  troublesome  to  man  and 
beast ;  on  this  account,  they  all  should  be  treated  with  encour- 
agement and  regard. 


296  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  nest  of  the  small  pewee  is  sometimes  on  horizontal 
branches,  sometimes  in  the  upright  forks  of  a  tree.  It  is  com- 
posed of  dry  grass  woven  with  wood,  down,  and  other  soft 
materials,  cemented  together  with  the  saliva  of  the  bird.  The 
eggs  are  five,  of  unspotted  white.  While  the  young  need  sup- 
port and  protection,  they  remain  with  their  parents  ;  but  after- 
wards, they  separate  into  different  parties,  to  migrate  to  their 
winter  quarters. 

The  AMERICAN  REDSTART,  Muscicapa  ruticilla,  is  a  very 
beautiful  bird.  It  is  not  rare,  but  is  seldom  seen,  because  it 
lives  retired,  and  when  it  comes  into  our  gardens,  confines  it- 
self to  the  shade.  It  is  in  constant  motion,  exploring  the 
branches,  and  moving  its  tail  and  wings  so  as  to  display  its  rich 
colors  ;  sometimes  it  starts  up  to  catch  an  insect  flying  over  ; 
then  it  may  be  seen  balancing  itself  in  the  air,  looking  sharply 
into  a  bunch  of  leaves.  It  flies  with  the  mouth  open,  and  its 
success  is  known  by  the  snapping  of  its  bill.  When  it  tries  to 
seize  a  wasp,  the  insect  presents  its  sting  in  so  formidable  a 
manner,  that  the  redstart  dares  not  catch  it,  and  moves  after 
some  less  dangerous  prey. 

In.  the  cold  weather  in  June,  1832,  when  so  many  birds  were 
found  lying  dead,  in  all  parts  of  the  country,  one  of  these  birds 
came,  for  several  days  in  succession,  up  to  my  study  window, 
and  there  employed  himself  in  catching  insects,  within  a  few 
feet  of  the  place  where  I  was  writing.  He  frequently  watched 
me,  but  finding  that  I  did  not  trouble  him,  he  dismissed  his 
reserve  and  seemed  to  be  on  familiar  terms.  When  the  weath- 
er changed,  he  disappeared,  and  I  never  saw  one  in  the  same 
place  again. 

The  nest  is  generally  on  a  low  bush  or  tree,  and  appears  as 
if  hanging  by  the  twigs.  It  is  composed  of  various  materials, 
fastened  together  with  saliva.  The  eggs  are  a  soft  white, 
sprinkled  with  yellowish  brown.  The  parents  are  anxiously 
watchful  for  the  safety  of  their  young.  These  birds  come  to 
us  in  May,  and,  at  the  last  of  September,  retire  beyond  the 
limits  of  the  Union. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  297 

The  SMALL-HEADED  FLYCATCHER,  Muscicapa  minuta,  is  a 
species  first  discovered  by  Audubon.  Little  is  yet  known  con- 
cerning it,  though  ornithologists  have  been  acquainted  with  it 
for  a  considerable  time.  Dr.  Brewer  informs  me  that  it  has 
been  found  in  Ipswich,  and  that  he  picked  up  one  of  them, 
evidently  just  dead,  on  the  step  of  his  door  in  Brookline. 

The  BLUE  GREY  FLYCATCHER,  Muscicapa  carulea,  which  was 
formerly  thought  to  proceed  no  farther  to  the  north  than  New- 
York,  is,  I  am  told  by  the  same  gentleman,  found  in  Massachu- 
setts and  as  far  as  the  Canada  line.  Professor  Emmons  tells 
me  that  in  Berkshire,  the  preceding  species  is  common,  but 
that  he  has  never  met  with  this. 

TRAILL'S  FLYCATCHER,  Muscicapa  Traillii,  a  bird  discov- 
ered by  Audubon,  and  named  by  him  in  compliment  to  Dr. 
Traill  of  Liverpool,  is  also  found  in  our  State.  A  specimen 
was  obtained  by  Mr.  Samuel  Cabot,  Jr.  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Boston.  It  has  probably  been  seen  and  mistaken  for  the  small 
pewee,  which  it  so  much  resembles,  that  some  ornithologists 
regard  them  as  the  same.  The  difference  in  the  size  and 
markings  is  trifling  j  but  the  tail,  which  in  the  former  is  even, 
is  slightly  emarginate  in  this.  Nuttall,  however,  describes  the 
tail  of  M.  Acadica  as  decidedly  emarginate,  and  not,  as  Audu- 
bon says,  even,  and  slightly  rounded. 

The  GREEN  BLACK-CAP  FLYCATCHER,  Muscicapa  Wilsonii,  is 
enumerated  among  the  birds  of  Massachusetts,  on  the  authority 
of  Audubon.  It  is  very  rare  in  this  State,  though  common 
enough  in  Maine. 

The  CANADA  FLYCATCHER,  Muscicapa  Canadensis,  which, 
like  the  preceding,  is  often  classed  with  the  warblers,  is  not 
now  uncommon  in  this  State,  however  it  may  have  been  in 
former  years. 

The  YELLOW   BREASTED  ICTERIA,  Icteria  viridis,  certainly 

38 


298  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

makes  occasional  visits  here,  though  it  is  generally  described 
as  not  passing  the  bounds  of  our  adjoining  states.  Professor 
Emmons  assures  me  that  he  has  found  it  in  Berkshire.  Their 
ordinary  migration  does  not  extend  so  far,  but  in  the  middle 
states  they  abound. 

The  YELLOW  THROATED  VIREO,  Vireojlavifrons,  is  one  of  a 
beautiful  family  of  singers,  some  of  which  are  quite  familiar, 
and  highly  valued  for  the  sweetness  of  their  song.  This  is 
not  the  most  musical  of  their  number,  but  its  note  is  pleasant, 
resembling  that  of  the  red-eye.  It  prefers  the  solitude  of  the 
forest  to  the  society  of  man,  and  there  employs  itself  in  explor- 
ing the  branches  of  the  largest  trees,  in  search  of  its  insect  food  ; 
passing  over  each  with  short  hops,  examining  every  leaf  and 
bud,  in  order  to  be  sure  that  nothing  is  left  undetected.  There 
it  may  be  found  from  May  to  September,  when  it  retreats  to 
the  warmest  parts  of  America. 

Its  nest,  like  that  of  other  vireos,  is  suspended  from  the 
branch  of  a  tree,  being  attached  to  the  twigs  with  slender 
strings,  mixed  with  the  threads  of  caterpillars  and  fine  blades 
of  grass  cemented  with  the  saliva  of  the  bird.  The  whole 
is  covered  with  green  moss  attached  by  threads  of  silk,  and 
resembles  the  foliage  in  color  so  much  as  to  deceive,  or  rather 
to  elude  the  eye.  The  eggs,  four  or  five  in  number,  are  white, 
spotted  with  black.  When  the  young  are  hatched,  it  conducts 
them  into  orchards  and  gardens,  in  search  of  berries  for  food. 

The  WHITE-EYED  VIREO,  Vireo  Noveberacensis,  comes  to  us 
in  April,  and  passes  the  summer  in  oar  state,  where  it  appears 
to  be  much  more  abundant  than  the  former,  because  it  is  more 
retired.  Its  song  and  its  motions  are  energetic  and  animated  ; 
it  passes  from  twig  to  twig  in  quick  succession,  glancing  up  and 
down  so  quickly,  that  nothing  can  escape  it,  sometimes  swal- 
lowing an  insect,  then  stopping  to  drink  a  dew-drop  that  hangs 
upon  the  leaves.  Its  song  is  spirited  and  emphatic,  with  con- 
siderable variety  of  expression,  and  more  powerful  than  could 
be  expected  from  so  small  a  bird.  This  bird  suspends  its  nest, 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  299 

like  the  former,  but  not  high  in  the  air ;  it  is  generally  hung 
from  the  branch  of  a  brier  or  a  vine,  and  composed  of  bits  of 
hornets'  nests,  newspapers,  or  grass  woven  in  with  twigs,  with 
a  lining  of  root-fibres.  The  eggs  are  four  or  five,  white,  with 
a  few  brown  spots  toward  the  larger  end.  If  any  one  ap- 
proaches the  nest,  the  vireo  scolds  with  great  heat  and  passion. 
At  other  times,  it  seems  quite  indifferent  to  his  presence,  and 
looks  at  him  with  perfect  composure,  at  the  distance  of  a  few 
feet. 

The  WARBLING  VIREO,  Viero  gilvus,  is  a  charming  singer, 
and  so  unwearied  in  its  various  and  animated  warble,  that  it  is 
one  of  the  chief  attractions  of  a  summer  day.  Its  notes,  so 
mellow  and  flowing,  cannot  be  mistaken  for  those  of  any  other 
bird ;  neither  is  any  one  who  hears  it  at  a  loss  to  trace  it  to  the 
performer,  who  never  retires  to  the  forest,  and  seems  to  delight 
in  the  society  of  man.  At  the  same  time  his  note  is  unambi- 
tious, and  gives  the  listener  the  impression  that  it  was  not  in- 
tended to  be  heard,  but  was  simply  an  unconscious  outpouring 
of  the  harmony  and  happiness  of  his  breast.  In  this  unpre- 
tending manner,  he  differs  from  most  other  birds  of  sweet  note, 
which  appear  as  if  fully  aware  of  their  powers,  and  desirous  to 
display  them. 

The  nest  of  the  warbler  is  suspended  high  in  the  air,  formed 
of  blades  of  grass  disposed  in  a  circular  form,  with  bits  of 
hornets'  nests,  corn  husks,  or  old  apple  blossoms,  inserted  be- 
tween, and  kept  in  place  by  threads  of  caterpillars'  silk ;  the 
lining  is  of  fine  grass,  pressed  into  the  proper  form  with  great 
care.  The  eggs  are  four  or  five,  white,  spotted  with  reddish 
-black  at  the  larger  end.  These  birds  remain  with  us  from  May 
to  October,  when  they  leave  us  reluctantly  for  the  tropical  re- 
gions. They  are  not,  like  the  red-eye,  seen  in  Florida  in  the 
winter. 

The  RED-EYED  VIREO,  Vireo  olivaceus,  is  perhaps  more  com- 
mon than  the  former ;  not  equal  to  the  warbler  in  its  song, 
which  is  rather  broken  and  interrupted,  than  easy  and  flowing  ; 


300  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

but  nevertheless  is  expressive  and  sweet,  resembling  that  of 
the  robin,  though  not  so  clear  and  strong.  From  May  to 
August  it  sings  all  day  without  ceasing,  never  oppressed  by  the 
severest  heat ;  at  every  short  suspension  of  its  song,  it  moves 
up  and  down  the  branches,  searching  every  bud  and  blossom, 
and  peeping  under  the  leaves.  The  cloudy  weather,  which  is 
so  depressing  to  most  birds,  has  no  effect  upon  the  red-eye ;  he 
sings  as  cheerfully  in  the  dark  afternoon  as  in  the  brightness 
of  the  rising  sun,  seeming  to  hold  a  perpetual  festival,  and 
quenching  his  thirst  with  the  drops  of  dew. 

The  nest  of  the  red-eye  is  suspended  at  various  elevations, 
but  never  so  high  above  the  ground  as  that  of  the  warbler.  It 
is  more  particular  in  lining  it  than  in  building.  The  materials 
of  the  nest  are  miscellaneous ;  the  lining  is  of  fibrous  roots, 
pine  leaves,  and  strings  of  the  bark  of  vines,  disposed  in  beauti- 
ful order.  In  it  are  three  or  four  eggs,  white,  with  spots  of 
brown  at  the  larger  end.  The  red-eye  is  an  attentive  parent, 
and  for  this  reason  perhaps,  the  cow-bird  often  chooses  it  as 
the  nurse  of  its  young.  The  eyes  of  the  young  birds  are 
brown,  and  do  not  become  red  till  the  following  spring.  A 
species  alluded  to  in  Audubon's  description  of  the  red-eye,  as 
resembling  it,  but  quite  distinct,  and  which  he  promises  to  de- 
scribe in  his  fourth  volume,  is,  as  Dr.  Brewer  informs  me, 
sometimes  seen  in  our  state. 

The  MOCKING-BIRD,  Turdus  polyglottus,  is  rarely  seen  in 
Massachusetts.  The  brown  thrush  is  sometimes  mistaken  for 
it  by  careless  observers,  and  that  fine  bird,  though  not  an  im- 
itator, at  least  to  any  great  extent,  has  a  depth,  sweetness  and 
variety  of  song  which  even  the  far-famed  mocking-bird  cannot 
exceed. 

The  BROWN  THRUSH  or  THRASHER,  Turdus  rufus,  must  be 
regarded  as  the  finest  of  our  singing  birds.  It  is  also  very 
common,  though  not  as  familiar  as  some  others.  From  the 
time  of  its  arrival,  about  the  first  of  May,  it  may  be  seen,  on 
the  high  twig  of  some  tall  tree,  pouring  out  its  soul  in  a  full 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  301 

and  flowing  strain,  not  changeful  and  capricious  like  that  of 
the  mocking-bird,  but  uniformly  eloquent  and  sweet.  It  may 
be  fancy,  but  the  song  seems  more  in  harmony  with  the  season 
than  any  other,  and  more  resembling  what  we  imagine  of  the 
voice  of  spring. 

In  point  of  strength  and  intelligence,  the  brown  thrasher  is 
superior  to  all  the  birds  of  its  class.  It  bids  defiance  to  large 
and  powerful  birds  of  prey ;  if  a  cat  or  a  dog  come  near  its 
nest,  it  attacks  and  chases  him  away  ;  and  the  snakes  which 
are  tempted  to  rifle  its  nest,  which  is  generally  on  or  near  the 
ground,  are  beaten  in  such  a  manner  that  they  are  glad  to  make 
an  early  retreat.  These  birds  have  many  contests  among 
themselves,  but  if  the  least  alarm  is  given,  they  suspend  hos- 
tilities at  once  and  join  in  hearty  alliance  against  the  common 
foe.  As  to  its  intelligence,  it  appears  at  once  in  those  which 
are  domesticated.  Mr.  Bartram  observed  that  one  which  he 
reared  from  the  nest,  if  he  found  that  crusts  of  bread  which 
were  given  him  as  food,  were  too  rough  for  him  to  swallow, 
would  take  them  to  his  water-dish  and  soak  them.  He  was 
also  fond  of  wasps,  but  before  he  swallowed  them,  would  ex- 
amine to  see  if  they  had  a  sting  ;  and  if  so,  would  carefully 
remove  the  poison  before  he  ventured  to  eat  them.  The  food 
of  the  brown  thrasher  consists  of  insects,  worms,  berries,  and 
fruits  of  all  descriptions.  They  are  sometimes  accused  of 
pulling  up  the  new  corn,  but  this  is  so  seldom  done,  that  it  is 
doubtless  accidental,  and  the  grub,  instead  of  the  corn,  is  the 
object  which  it  aims  to  secure. 

The  nest  is  built  on  the  ground,  or  a  few  feet  above  it,  with 
small  twigs  and  dry  leaves,  strips  of  bark  and  root  fibres.  The 
eggs  are  of  a  buff  color,  thickly  sprinkled  with  dots  of  brown. 
Both  the  male  and  female  sit,  but  the  time  of  the  former  is 
very  much  occupied  in  keeping  guard  against  the  approach  of 
enemies,  which  he  resists,  if  it  is  possible,  and  if  not,  attempts 
to  soften  to  compassion  by  his  plaintive  cries.  If  any  one 
plunders  the  nest,  both  parents  follow  him  with  alternate  im- 
precations and  appeals  to  his  feeling.  After  the  breeding  sea- 
son, they  are  generally  silent,  and  are  found  in  gardens  in  great 


302  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

numbers,   where  they  employ  themselves  till  October,  when 
they  retreat  to  the  southern  states. 

The  CATBIRD,  Turdus  felivox,  is  strangely  persecuted,  though 
he  deserves  good  treatment  on  account  of  his  services,  which 
are  great ;  and  also  on  account  of  his  song,  which  is  fine  and 
sweet  when  he  feels  secure ;  but  this  is  not  often  ;  for  he 
seems  fully  aware  that  a  bad  name  has  been  given  him  ;  and 
his  cat-like  mew  is  an  expression  of  his  anxious  fears.  Beside 
his  own  wild  snatches  of  melody,  he  gives  many  broken  imita- 
tions of  other  birds,  but  never  seems  sufficiently  easy  in  his 
mind  to  finish  the  strain  he  has  begun.  Latham  says,  that  in 
a  domesticated  state,  the  catbird  has  been  taught  to  imitate 
the  strains  of  instrumental  music  ;  and  that  he  will  counterfeit 
the  cry  of  young  chickens  in  distress,  so  as  completely  to  de- 
ceive the  parent  hen.  His  attempts  to  mock  the  notes  of  other 
birds  can  be  easily  detected  in  listening  to  his  song,  and  blend- 
ed in  with  his  own  original  strains,  form  an  anthem  so  singu- 
lar, that  no  one  who  has  the  least  portion  of  taste  or  fancy,  can 
hear  it  without  delight. 

The  catbird  remains  with  us  from  May  to  October,  constant- 
ly employed  in  picking  off  wasps,  worms,  grubs,  and  various 
insects,  and,  at  the  season  of  fruit,  it  ventures  to  claim  some 
little  reward  for  its  labors ;  not  so  much  however,  as  would 
have  been  consumed  by  the  wasps  alone,  which  it  has  de- 
stroyed. It  seems  surprising,  considering  how  they  are  treated, 
and  how  sensitive  they  appear  to  be,  that  they  have  not  long 
ago  deserted  us.  But  the  nervous  anxiety  which  they  betray 
in  their  voice  and  motions,  is  not  really  owing  to  anxiety  for 
themselves,  so  much  as  to  affection  for  their  young.  They  are 
quite  discriminating  in  their  apprehensions  ;  the  sight  of  a  dog 
does  not  disturb  them,  but  a  cat  throws  them  into  a  fever  of 
dread ;  and  while  they  are  wretched  the  moment  an  idle  boy 
enters  the  garden,  they  will  permit  some  men  to  handle  the 
eggs  in  their  nest. 

The  nest  is  in  a  bush  or  a  vine,  composed  of  twigs,  strips  of 
bark,  old  grass  and  dry  leaves,  with  a  lining  of  root  fibres. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  303 

The  eggs  are  four  or  five,  of  a  deep  green.  It  is  not  easy  f  to 
make  them  give  up  their  nest ;  if  it  is  carried  away  they  will 
follow  it,  and  retake  possession  as  if  nothing  had  happened. 
In  cases  where  the  young  of  other  birds  have  been  put  into 
their  nests,  the  female  has  thrown  them  out  to  make  room  for 
her  own  ;  but  the  male,  observing  their  distress,  has  taken 
compassion  on  the  orphans  and  fed  them  as  his  own.  Surely, 
this  is  not  a  creature  at  which  it  is  wise  for  man  to  cast  the 
first,  nor  indeed  to  cast  any  stone. 

The  AMERICAN  ROBIN,  Turdus  migratorius,  is  not  the  earli- 
est, but  is  certainly  the  most  welcome  messenger  of  spring  j 
and  the  confidence  which  he  places  in  us  is  seldom  disappoint- 
ed, except  by  boys  taking  their  first  lessons  in  cruelty,  in  which 
they  afterwards  become  masters.  His  note  is  hearty  and  joy- 
ous, sometimes  very  musical,  but  always  associated  with 
spring-blossoms  and  early  fruit  so  inseparably,  that  his  song 
reminds  every  one  of  something  which  he  loves  to  remember. 
His  familiarity  is  his  greatest  charm  ;  and  he  often  disarms  bad 
intentions,  by  alighting  near  us  with  a  look  and  manner  which 
seem  to  say,  that,  bad  as  men  are,  he  does  not  think  they  mean 
to  injure  him.  He  is  greatly  respected  by  children  on  account 
of  the  name  which  he  bears ;  they  mistake  him  for  the  red- 
breast, which  is  said  to  have  displayed  so  much  humanity  to 
the  children  in  the  wood ;  but,  though  our  robin  is  not  often 
called  to  such  benevolent  exertions,  there  is  no  doubt,  that  in 
any  similar  case  of  distress,  it  would  show  itself  as  kind  and 
thoughtful  as  the  other. 

The  robin  well  deserves  the  name  of  migratory,  though 
some  remain  with  us  in  ordinary  winters,  retreating  from  the 
cold  into  the  depth  of  evergreen  woods.  They  spread  them- 
selves over  the  whole  continent ;  they  are  found  in  all  the  fur 
countries,  and  almost  all- places  where  man  has  ever  been. 
They  are  never  stationary,  except  when  rearing  their  young  ; 
for  we  sometimes  find  that  in  the  summer,  they  will  leave  a 
place  where  they  have  abounded,  and  for  days  together  not  one 
of  them  can  be  found.  Their  movements  are  irregular,  depend- 


•J* 


304  BIRDS   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

ing  probably  on  the  supply  of  food  which  they  find  in  different 
parts  of  the  country.  They  migrate  in  large  flocks,  flying  high 
and  far  without  resting  ;  sometimes,  if  the  weather  is  fine, 
they  continue  their  course  by  night. 

The  nest  of  the  robin  is  found  in  various  situations,  most 
commonly  in  an  orchard  tree.  It  is  composed  of  dry  leaves, 
grass  and  moss,  connected  together  by  mud ;  the  lining  is  of 
fine  grass,  sometimes  in  part  of  feathers.  The  eggs  are  from 
four  to  six,  of  bluish  green.  It  is  not  necessary  to  be  particu- 
lar in  these  matters,  the  nests  being  almost  always  made  near 
human  dwellings,  and  often  within  the  reach  of  man.  It  is 
supposed  that  it  chooses  these  resorts  in  order  to  escape  from 
the  cuckoo,  which  sucks  its  eggs  wherever  it  dares  venture  ; 
but  the  robin  soon  forms  a  strong  local  attachment,  and  often 
returns  in  successive  years,  not  only  to  the  same  spot,  but  the 
same  nest  which  it  has  occupied  before.  One  has  been  known 
to  build  in  the  stern  timbers  of  an  unfinished  vessel  in  New 
Hampshire.  They  are  very  affectionate  to  their  young,  and  if 
an  accident  happens  to  one  of  them,  the  whole  neighborhood 
of  robins  is  in  alarm. 

The  robin  is  easily  domesticated,  and  soon  becomes  very 
fond  of  its  owner.  It  shows  a  taste  and  talent  for  imitation 
also,  which  does  not  appear  in  its  wild  state.  It  will  not  only 
mock  the  notes  of  other  birds,  but  will  imitate  tunes  which  it 
has  often  heard.  In  this  state  it  has  been  known  to  live  for 
nearly  twenty  years. 

The  WOOD  THRUSH,  Turdus  mustelinus,  is  a  retiring  bird, 
but  not  so  solitary  as  it  is  sometimes  represented.  It  is  most 
partial  to  shaded  glens,  where  it  sings  toward  the  close  of  day. 
Its  note  is  very  remarkable  ;  with  notes  of  no  great  variety,  but 
clear,  flowing  and  silvery  as  a  sweet-toned  bell ;  of  all  the 
voices  of  summer  there  is  none  so  thrilling,  particularly  when 
heard  as  the  shades  of  night  are  falling,  and  in  scenes  of  deep 
repose.  Each  bird  seems  to  have  some  favorite  resort  of  his 
own.  It  is  generally  in  some  deep  hollow,  overhung  by  large 
trees  festooned  with  vines,  where  the  sunbeams  at  mid-day  can 


BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  305 

hardly  reach  the  ground.  Here  it  delights  to  sing  ;  and  no 
one  can  hear  it  without  having  his  mind  calmed  by  the  spirit- 
like  melody,  and  the  harmonious  quiet  of  the  scene. 

This  bird  is  a  constant  resident  in  Louisiana,  but  whether,  or 
how  far  it  goes  beyond  the  limits  of  the  United  States,  is  not 
known.  It  comes  to  us  in  April,  performing  its  migrations  in 
the  woods,  and  seldom  appearing  in  the  open  country.  Its 
nest  is  built  in  shrubs  or  low  trees,  saddled  on  the  branch,  and 
composed  of  grass  and  leaves  held  together  by  mud,  with  a 
lining  of  root- fibres.  The  eggs,  four  or  five  in  number,  are  of  a 
greenish  blue.  The  young  come  out  from  retirement  into 
gardens,  and  are  even  known  to  visit  the  outskirt/of  the  city. 
They  are  easily  raised  in  confinement,  and  sin/ nearly  as  well 
as  when  free. 

On  alighting  on  a  branch,  the  wood  thrush  gives  its  tail  a 
jerk  two  or  three  times  with  a  peculiar  chuckle.  It  walks  and 
hops  on  the  branches,  occasionally  bending  down  to  look  round 
it.  It  often  descends  to  the?  grotind,  and  scratches  in  search 
of  worms  and  beetles,  bus!  the  least  alarm  sends  it  back  to  the 
tree.  It  never  commits-  depredations  of  any  kind  whatever. 
These  birds  are  never  seen  in  flocks  ;  they  pair  in  the  breeding 
season,  but  at  all  oJher  times  are  found  single  and  apart  from 
each  other.  They  do  not  leave  New  England  till  quite  late  in 
the  fall. 

The  HERMIT  THRUSH,  Tardus  minor,  is  described  by  Audu- 
bozi  and  TVilson  as  destitute  of  song,  while  Nuttall  represents  it 
as  hardly  inferior  to  the  nightingale  in  the  power  and  sweetness 
of  its  voice.  There  are  some  other  points  of  difference  in  their 
several  descriptions.  Audubon  says  that  the  bill  is  dark  brown, 
yellowish  toward  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible.  Nuttall 
says  that  it  is  black  above  and  flesh  colored  below.  Audubon 
says  that  the  tail  is  even,  while  Wilson  and  Nuttall  speak  of 
it  as  forked.  These  and  some  other  discrepancies  I  am  unable 
to  reconcile,  from  want  of  acquaintance  with  the  bird.  Nuttall 
however  sets  it  down  as  passing  the  summer  in  our  woods. 
39 


306  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

WILSON'S  THRUSH,  Turdus  Wilsonii,  is  described  by  Nuttall 
as  a  common  bird,  resembling  the  wood  thrush  in  its  voice  and 
song.  He  describes  its  nest  as  usually  made  in  a  low  bush, 
not  much  above  the  ground,  and  depending  for  security  on  its 
resemblance  to  the  foliage  where  it  is  built.  No  earth  is  em- 
ployed in  its  construction.  The  eggs  are  four  or  five,  of  an 
emerald  green.  This  and  the  preceding  species  are  not  yet 
sufficiently  known. 

The  NEW  YORK  THRUSH,  Turdus  Noveberacensis,  which, 
according  to  Nuttall.  hardly  ever  comes  here  except  in  autumn, 
arrives,  as  Dr.  Brewer  assures  me,  in  the  spring,  and  rears  its 
young  in  our  state.  Its  nest  and  eggs  have  been  found  in 
Roxbury. 

The  GOLDEN-CROWNED  THRUSH,  Turdus  aurocapillus,  is  a 
very  timid  and  retiring  bud,  which  remains  with  us  from  May 
till  September.  It  is  not  distinguished  by  any  power  of  song, 
though  it  has  a  succession  of  simple  notes  which  sound  pleas- 
antly, in  its  quiet  and  solitary  home,  it  sits  and  runs  on  the 
ground  like  the  lark,  and  the  moment  it  is  discovered,  escapes 
from  observation  in  the  deepest  shade  of  the  woods. 

This  bird  is  better  known  by  its  curious  nest  than  by  its 
aspect  or  its  song.  It  is  built  on  the  ground,  among  dry  leaves 
or  decayed  moss.  It  is  neatly  constructed  with  grass  inside 
and  out,  and  is  arched  over  with  a  large  patch  of  the  same 
material,  overspread  with  twigs  and  leaves,  so  as  to  resemble 
the  rest  of  the  ground.  An  entrance  is  left  at  the  side,  which 
is  generally  toward  the  sun.  The  eggs,  from  four  to  six  in 
number,  are  white,  spotted  with  brown  toward  the  larger  end. 
If  the  female  be  discovered  on  her  nest,  she  creeps  swiftly  and 
silently  away.  If  she  sees  the  intruder  looking  for  the  nest, 
she  nutters,  pretends  lameness,  and  generally  succeeds  in  draw- 
ing oif  his  attention ;  but  she  suffers  much  from  snakes  and 
other  animals,  which  are  not  easily  deceived,  and  cannot  be 
resisted.  These  birds  live  on  insects,  particularly  such  as 
they  find  upon  the  ground. 

I 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  307 

The  YELLOW-CROWNED  WARBLER,  Sylvia  coronata,  some- 
times called  the  myrtle  bird,  is  quite  common  here  for  two  or 
three  weeks  in  May,  and  after  an  absence  of  more  than  three 
months,  it  reappears  on  its  way  to  its  winter  home.  While 
here,  they  are  very  social  among  themselves,  and  come  fear- 
lessly about  our  houses,  entirely  unsuspicious  of  danger,  col- 
lecting the  insects  on  which  they  feed.  They  breed  in  the 
northern  regions.  In  autumn,  they  return  with  a  less  brilliant 
dress  than  in  spring,  which  may  be  either  a  decided  change  in 
plumage,  or  possibly  only  the  result  of  wear  and  travel.  Their 
song,  as  well  as  some  of  their  habits,  bears  a  strong  resem- 
blance to  that  of  the  summer  yellow-bird.  Audubon  found 
the  young  in  Labrador  ;  but  the  only  nest  he  has  ever  seen, 
was  presented  to  him  in  Nova  Scotia.  It  is  very  much  like 
that  of  the  bird  just  mentioned,  lined  with  thistle-down,  hair, 
and  feathers,  and  containing  four  rose-colored  eggs,  dotted  with 
reddish  brown,  round,  but  not  upon,  the  larger  end. 

The  YELLOW  REDPOLE  WARBLER,  Sylvia  petechia,  comes 
to  us,  like  the  former,  after  passing  the  winter  in  the  southern 
states.  Here  it  is  a  rare  species.  Audubon  found  the  birds 
abundant  at  Labrador,  but  sought  for  their  nests  in  vain. 

The  SUMMER  YELLOW-BIRD,  Sylvia  aestiva,  is  a  beautiful 
summer  resident,  and  a  favorite  in  all  parts  of  New  England. 
Its  delicious  warble,  though  it  has  no  great  variety,  is  one  of 
the  sweetest  sounds  heard  at  the  window  on  a  summer  day. 
They  probably  spend  the  winter  beyond  the  limits  of  the  Union. 
Early  in  May  they  return,  and  are  seen  in  all  directions,  dart- 
ing through  the  foliage  in  search  of  insects,  their  golden  yel- 
low dress  richly  contrasted  with  the  fresh  and  tender  green. 
The  male  comes  a  little  earlier  than  the  female,  as  if  to  explore 
the  way.  They  soon  begin  to  construct  their  r>cjst;  which  is 
generally  near  our  dwellings,  and  sometime^  within  reach. 
They  make  use  of  hemp,  flax,  and  cotton,  soft  grass,  and  hair  ; 
but  they  are  not  particular  in  their  choice  of  materials.  The 
•eggs  are  four  or  five,  of  a  dull  white,  speckled  with  brown 

I 


308  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

toward  the  larger  end.  This  bird  is  very  much  annoyed  by 
the  cow-bird.  Sometimes,  when  it  finds  the  strange  egg,  it 
buries  it  by  making  a  new  lining  to  its  nest ;  but  if  this  be 
impracticable,  it  feeds  and  protects  the  foundling  with  as  much 
kindness  as  its  own  young.  In  its  migrations,  this  little  bird 
travels  by  night. 

The  SPOTTED  WARBLER,  Sylvia  maculosa,  is  a  beautiful 
bird,  which  passes  through  the  State  in  May,  on  its  way  to  the 
north,  where  it  rears  its  young.  Here  they  are  always  rare  ; 
but  in  Maine  they  are  sometimes  exceedingly  common,  being 
detained  there,  waiting  till  the  season  is  sufficiently  advanced 
to  permit  them  to  go  farther.  This  bird  excels  in  song  as  well 
as  in  beauty  of  plumage  j  its  motions  are  graceful,  and,  when  on 
the  ground,  it  holds  its  wings  drooping,  as  if  to  display  their 
markings  to  advantage.  They  pass  but  a  few  days  with  us, 
and  on  their  return  do  not  visit  us  ;  they  probably,  in  returning, 
avoid  the  coast,  and  make  their  way  along  the  course  of  the 
great  western  rivers. 

The  BLACK-THROATED  GREEN  WARBLER,  Sylvia  virens,  is 
not  common  in  Massachusetts.  It  comes  from  the  south  in 
May,  and  may  be  seen  searching  the  blossoms  of  the  apple  tree 
for  food,  so  intent  upon  its  employment  as  to  pay  no  regard  to 
the  presence  of  any  observer.  Sometimes  the  chipping-sparrow, 
delighted  to  find  a  bird  weaker  than  itself,  puts  on  airs  of  state, 
and  orders  the  little  warbler  away  from  the  tree.  A  few  spend 
the  summer  in  the  northern  states.  Their  nests  are  not  easily 
discovered,  but  Nuttall  met  with  one  in  a  juniper,  on  the  Blue 
Hills  in  Milton.  It  was  made  with  strips  of  bark,  horsehair, 
and  feathers,  and  contained  four  eggs,  inclining  to  flesh-color, 
dotted  with  purple  together  with  large  spots  of  brown.  There 
was  no  othe?  nest  of  the  kind  near  it.  These  birds  are  seen 
roving  in  the  Icrests,  on  their  way  to  the  south,  in  October. 

The    BLACKBURNIA^T   WARBLER,     Sylvia    Blackburniae,    is 
sometimes  seen  in  this  State,  and,  whenever  it  appears,  its  ele- 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  309 

gant  colors  attract  attention.  In  the  list  furnished  me  by  Dr. 
Brewer,  it  is  marked  as  breeding  in  this  State.  Its  nest,  how- 
ever, is  not  often  seen.  Audubon  received  one  from  Professor 
MacCulloch,  of  Nova  Scotia ;  it  was  composed  externally  of 
different  textures,  and  lined  with  silky  fibres  and  thin  delicate 
strips  of  fine  bark,  over  which  lay  a  thick  bed  of  feathers  and 
horsehair.  The  eggs  were  white,  with  red  spots  toward  the 
larger  end.  It  was  found  in  a  small  fork  of  a  free  near  a  brook, 
five  or  six  feet  from  the  ground.  It  is  seldom  that  this  bird 
appears  here,  except  in  May  and  September,  on  its  annual  mi- 
gration and  return. 

The  ORANGE-THROATED  WARBLER,  Sylvia  auricollis,  is  an- 
other rare  and  transient  species,  which  makes  us  a  passing  call, 
on  its  way  to  Canada. 

The  CHESTNUT-SIDED  WARBLER,  Sylvia  icterocephala,  passes 
through  this  State  on  its  way  to  the  north.  In  1837,  they 
were  quite  common  near  Connecticut  river.  Audubon  pro- 
fessed himself  ignorant  of  their  breeding  places  ;  but  Mr.  James 
Eliot  Cabot,  has  succeeded  in  finding  a  nest  in  Brookline,  in 
our  State. 

The  BAY-BREASTED  WARBLER,  Sylvia  castanea,  comes  to  us 
about  the  middle  of  May,  and  remains  a  few  days.  In  its  ap- 
pearance and  manners  it  strongly  resembles  the  preceding. 
While  here,  it  is  busily  engaged  in  searching  for  insects,  along 
the  hedges  and  in  the  highest  trees.  Where  it  goes  when  it 
leaves  us,  is  not  yet  distinctly  known.  Audubon  says  that  he 
has  often  seen  them  in  Louisiana,  in  the  month  of  June,  which 
would  indicate,  that,  unlike  the  warblers  in  general,  they  re- 
main and  breed  in  the  southern  states.  But  if  it  is  so,  their 
nest  has  not  yet  been  found. 

The  BLACK-POLE  WARBLER,  Sylvia  striata,  is  not  uncommon 
in  the  latter  part  of  May,  when  it  is  seen  in  the  orchards  in 
pursuit  of  cankerworms  and  other  food.  Its  note  is  a  low 


310  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

clinking  sound,  that  can  hardly  be  called  a  song.  Audubon 
was  fortunate  enough  to  find  its  nest  at  Labrador.  It  was  built 
on  a  fir  tree,  about  three  feet  from  the  ground.  There  is 
something  curious  in  the  manner  in  which  this  and  other  warb- 
lers, in  their  migration,  skip  over  some  parts  of  the  country. 

The  PINE  WARBLER,  Sylvia  pinus,  is  a  summer  resident  in 
the  State,  but  not  much  known,  because  it  resides  in  deep, 
evergreen  forests,  where  it  explores  the  bark  and  buds  of  trees 
in  search  of  the  insects  which  infest  them.  Nuttall  describes 
a  nest  of  this  species,  which  he  found  at  Mount  Auburn,  on  a 
tree,  forty  feet  above  the  ground.  The  eggs  were  white,  with 
a  very  pale  tinge  of  green,  and  thickly  sprinkled  with  pale 
brown.  In  summer,  their  food  consists  of  insects,  and  their 
eggs  and  larvae  ;  in  autumn,  when  the  young  accompany  their 
parents,  they  come  into  gardens  and  groves.  One  which  Nut- 
tall  domesticated,  fed  on  flies  and  worms  that  were  oifered 
him,  without  the  least  timidity ;  and  was  so  tame  and  familiar 
as  to  be  in  danger  of  being  trodden  under  feet. 

The  AUTUMNAL  WARBLER,  Sylvia  auturnnalis,  is  not  at  pres- 
ent known  to  rear  its  young  in  Massachusetts,  but  it  cannot 
go  far  for  that  purpose,  since  it  it  found  in  our  forests,  attended 
with  its  family,  as  early  as  the  month  of  July.  Early  in  the 
season,  they  are  seen  darting  through  the  woods  in  search  of 
flies.  One  which  Nuttall  obtained,  by  its  flying  in  at  an  open 
window,  soon  pursued  the  house-flies,  as  if  nothing  had  hap- 
pened, and  became  so  sociable  that  it  would  eat  from  his  hand. 
In  the  autumn,  it  may  be  seen  turning  over  the  fallen  leaves, 
or  searching  the  chinks  of  fences  and  the  rough  bark  of  trees. 
Its  nest  has  been  found  in  Pennsylvania,  and  also  near  Lake 
Champlain. 

The  HEMLOCK  WARBLER,  Sylvia  parus,  differs  so  little  from 
the  pine,  that  Nuttall  is  inclined  to  regard  them  as  the  same 
species  ;  but  Audubon,  who  procured  many  specimens,  togeth- 
er with  a  riest  and  young,  pronounces  them  distinct,  and  it  is 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  311 

on  his  high  authority  that  this  is  set  down  among  the  birds  of 
our  State. 

The  PRAIRIE  WARBLER,  Sylvia  discolor,  is  a  small  and  quiet, 
but  fearless  bird,  which  comes  to  us  about  the  middle  of  May. 
Nuttall  found  one  of  their  nests  at  Mount  Auburn,  in  a  low 
barberry  bush,  formed  very  much  like  the  nest  of  the  yellow- 
bird.  The  proprietor  eyed  him  with  much  curiosity  but  with- 
out any  appearance  of  fear,  and  when  he  approached  the  nest, 
the  female  kept  her  station.  There  is  considerable  difference 
in  the  accounts  given  by  him  and  Audubon,  of  the  nest  and 
the  song  of  this  bird.  The  latter  describes  the  nest  as  covered 
with  lichens,  like  that  of  the  humming-bird.  The  one  found 
at  Mount  Auburn  did  not  answer  at  all  to  his  description. 

The  PARTICOLORED  WARBLER,  Sylvia  Americana,  is  not 
common,  but  several  specimens  have  been  obtained  by  Mr. 
Samuel  Cabot,  Jr.,  and  as  its  song  has  been  heard  here  as  late 
as  the  close  of  May,  there  seems  reason  to  believe  that  it 
sometimes  breeds  in  the  State.  It  comes  in  May  and  returns 
in  October,  on  its  way  to  its  winter  home  in  the  West  Indies. 
Few  of  the  warblers  are  more  beautiful  than  this. 

The  BLACK  THROATED  BLUE  WARBLER,  Sylvia  Canadensis, 
is  a  wayfaring  and  unfrequent  visiter,  which  appears  in  April, 
on  its  way  to  the  north,  and  returns  late  in  the  fall.  It  is  not 
known  where  it  rears  its  young.  Its  winter  quarters  are  in  the 
West  Indian  Islands.  The  Pine  Swamp  Warbler,  Sylvia 
sphagnosa,  is  now  believed  to  be  the  young  of  this  species. 

The  MARYLAND  YELLOWTHROAT,  Sylvia  trichas,  is  one  of 
our  most  common  birds,  found  among  the  alders  of  almost 
every  brook,  from  the  beginning  of  May  till  the  leaves  fall.  It 
is  quiet,  humble,  and  never  ambitious  to  be  seen  •  still  it  shows 
no  distrust  nor  fear  of  those  who  visit  its  retreats  in  shady  hol- 
lows, except  when  they  go  so  near  the  nest  as  to  create  appre- 


312  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

hensions   for   its   young.     Its   song   is   simple,  pleasant,  and 
suited  to  the  places  where  it  resides. 

These  birds  commence  building  their  nest  in  May.  It  is  in 
thickets,  on  or  near  the  ground,  among  dry  leaves,  brush  or 
withered  grass,  which  may  protect  it  from  observation.  It  is 
made  of  dry  sedge  grass  and  leaves,  with  a  lining  of  fine  bent 
grass.  The  eggs  are  about  five,  of  a  soft  white,  with  specks, 
blotches,  and  sometimes  lines  of  brown  chiefly  toward  the  lar- 
ger end.  At  the  close  of  July  the  male  ceases  to  sing,  and  the 
old  and  young  rove  about  in  parties  till  the  season  warns  them 
to  depart. 

The  MOURNING  WARBLER,  Sylvia  Philadelphia,  is  a  rare 
species,  but  Dr.  Brewer  assures  me  that  he  has  seen  it  here  in 
summer  Very  little  is  known  of  its  habits,  and  I  believe, 
nothing  whatever  of  its  nest.  Sylvia  agilis  is  now  belived  to 
be  the  young  of  this  bird.  Prince  Bonaparte  believed  that  the 
mourning  warbler  would  turn  out  to  be  an  accidental  variety  of 
the  species  just  described.  It  is  said,  however,  to  be  quite  dif- 
ferent in  its  song. 

The  WILLOW  WREN,  Sylvia  trochilus,  is  the  same  which,  in 
England,  is  called  the  hay-bird.  Nuttall  says  that  it  visits  us 
in  October,  when  it  feeds  on  flies  and  other  insects,  and  often 
is  seen  rising  with  a  low  and  pleasant  song  from  the  tops  of 
trees.  It  is  named  from  its  attachment  to  the  willow. 

The  WORM-EATING  WARBLER,  Sylvia  vermivora,  arrives  from 
the  south  late  in  the  spring,  and  retreats  early,  before  the  north- 
ern storms.  It  was  not  known  to  breed  in  this  State  till  a 
nest  was  discovered  in  Cambridge  by  Mr.  Rotch,  who  gave  a 
specimen  of  the  eggs  to  Dr.  Brewer.  That  gentleman,  it  is  to 
be  hoped,  will  hereafter  find  time  to  supply  the  defect  of  infor- 
mation on  this  part  of  the  subject,  to  which  very  little  atten- 
tion has  been  paid. 

The  GOLDEN-WINGED  WARBLER,   Sylvia  chrysoptera,  which 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  313 

Nuttall  thought  was  never  seen  in  this  State,  is  ascertained  to 
be  one  of  our  visiters  by  Mr.  James  Eliot  Cabot,  who  shot  one 
of  them  in  Cambridge. 

The  NASHVILLE  WARBLER,  Sylvia  rubricapilla,  is  placed 
among  our  birds  by  Mr.  Samuel  Cabot.  Jr.,  who  obtained  a 
specimen  in  Brookline.  Audubon  states  that  three  or  four, 
found  in  Louisiana  and  Kentucky,  are  all  that  he  ever  saw. 

SWAINSON'S  WARBLER.  Sylvia  Swainsonii,  has  been  found 
by  Mr.  Cabot,  within  the  limits  of  our  State. 

The  ORANGE  COLORED  WARBLER,  Sylvia  celata,  probably 
passes  through  the  State  on  its  way  to  the  eastern  parts  of 
Maine  and  the  British  Provinces,  where  it  builds  and  rears  its 
young  :  but  it  is  not  ascertained  that  any  one  has  yet  been 
discovered  here. 

ROSCOE'S  YELLOW-THROAT.  Sylvia  Roscoe,   so  much  resem- 
bles the  Maryland  Yellow-throat,  that  Audubon,  the  discoverer, 
at  first  through  it  only  an  accidental  variety  of  that  species 
Nuttall  says  that  it  is  seen  in  Massachusetts  at   the  close  of 
summer,  and  his  impression  is  that  it  breeds  here. 

Before  leaving  the  subject  of  warblers,  I  may  be  permitted 
to  say  how  much  we  are  under  obligation  to  them  ;  not  as  a 
plea  in  their  behalf,  since  their  diminutive  size  protects  them. 
They  are  too  small  to  be  valued  for  food,  or  to  afford  the  re- 
quisite degree  of  excitement  to  the  sportsman.  We  are  told 
by  travellers,  that  the  scenery  of  Spain  seems  lifeless  and 
heavy,  from  the  want  of  singing  birds ;  ours,  on  the  contrary, 
is  animated  with  the  voices  arid  lighted  up  with  the  plumage 
of  these  little  birds,  most  of  which  are  as  beautiful  in  colors  as 
they  are  sweet  in  their  song.  From  a  circumstance  mentioned 
by  Audubon,  one  can  easily  estimate  the  importance  of  their 
services.  He  says  that  he  found  more  than  fifty  insects  in  the 
crops  of  only  two  of  them.  Millions  remain  in  the  United 
40 


314  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

States  throughout  the  summer,  and  those  which  pass  through 
the  country,  arrive  precisely  at  the  season  when  insects  are 
springing  into  life  and  action  ;  so  that  the  visit  of  two  or  three 
weeks,  which  they  make  with  us  at  that  time  is  as  valuable 
to  us  as  ten  times  the  same  amount  of  labor  at  any  other  part 
of  the  year. 


The  RUBY-CROWNED  WREN,  Regulus  calendulus,  is  a  beau- 
tiful little  bird,  often  seen  here  late  in  the  autumn,  on  its  return 
from  the  northern  regions.  How  far  they  go,  and  what  are 
their  habits  at  that  season,  no  one  has  yet  been^able  to  inform 
us.  Audubon  had  no  doubt  of  its  breeding  in  Labrador,  but  he 
did  not  succeed  in  finding  its  nest,  neither  has  it  been  found 
by  any  of  the  arctic  expeditions.  Wilson  met  with  them  in 
Pennsylvania,  in  the  summer,  but  they  are  not  seen  in  Massa- 
chusetts till  the  autumn,  when  they  associate  with  the  tit- 
mouse, and  move  round  in  busy  silence,  wholly  intent  on  the 
work  of  gathering  food.  At  the  north,  their  song  is  equal  to 
that  of  the  canary,  in  richness,  variety  and  power.  They  are 
not  uncommon  in  the  western  parts  of  the  State. 

The  FIERY-CROWNED  WREN,  Regulus  tricolor,  has  been  ob- 
tained by  Dr.  Brewer,  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  It  rears  its 
young  in  Labrador,  and  is  seen  here  on  its  return  in  October, 
when  it  collects  its  food,  consisting  of  the  larvae  and  eggs  of 
insects,  without  regarding  the  presence  of  any  observer.  It  is 
said,  that  on  striking  the  branch  on  which  they  are  perched, 
these  little  birds  will  fall  dead,  as  the  Canada  jays  are  often 
killed  by  their  enemies,  the  hunters. 

The  HOUSE-WREN,  Troglodytes  aedon.  is  a  summer  resi- 
dent in  the  State.  It  is  a  spirited,  restless,  wayward  little  bird, 
which  treats  the  human  race  with  great  familiarity.  It  seems 
to  expect  that  lodgings  shall  be  provided  for  it ;  but  if  this 
is  not  done,  it  will  build  under  the  eaves  of  houses  or  in  barns. 
Nothing  in  the  vicinity  of  human  dwellings  troubles  it  but  the 


BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  315 

appearance  of  a  cat,  which  throws  it  into  a  vociferous  passion, 
which  does  not  subside  till  the  hated  enemy  retires.  It  re- 
mains with  us  from  April  to  September,  and  adds  much  to 
the  attractions  of  summer  by  its  animated  and  often  brilliant 
song,  which,  like  that  of  the  vireos,  is  heard  in  the  heat  of  day, 
when  other  birds  are  at  rest.  It  has  many  quarrels  with  other 
birds,  and,  small  as  it  is,  maintains  its  rights,  and  perhaps 
something  more.  In  the  war  of  words  it  has  no  equal ;  arid 
some  other  birds  seem  as  if  they  gave  up  to  it,  not  from  fear 
or  conscience,  but  merely  to  escape  its  perpetual  and  abusive 
din. 

The  nest  of  the  house-wren  is  formed  with  an  outwork  of 
twigs  interlaced  with  care  and  skill.  Behind  this  barricade  is 
the  true  nest,  made  with  grass  and  lined  with  feathers.  The 
eggs,  from  six  to  nine,  are  of  flesh  color,  inclining  to  red.  The 
young,  soon  after  they  are  fledged,  seem  to  have  all  the  playful 
activity  of  the  older  birds.  It  is  rather  singular,  that  these 
birds  should  bear  the  name  of  Troglodytes,  signifying  dwellers 
in  caves,  when  they  are  so  remarkable  for  constructiveness,  that 
the  male  often  amuses  himself  while  the  female  is  sitting,  with 
building  another  nest,  which  he  has  no  thought  of  ever  using. 

The  FRESH-WATER  MARSH  WREN,  Troglodytes  brevirostris, 
is  a  summer  visiter,  not  uncommon,  but  not  known  as  a  dis- 
tinct species,  till  it  was  described  by  the  unwearied  Nuttall. 
It  should  have  borne  his  name ;  but  that  will  be  so  identified  with 
the  science  as  to  need  no  such  commemoration.  It  is  known 
to  boys  by  its  song,  chip-a-day-day ',  which  is  so  often  heard  in 
the  meadows.  He  describes  its  nest  as  made  of  sedge,  bent 
from  the  top  of  a  grassy  tuft,  and  forming  a  spherical  arbor 
with  an  entrance  on  the  side.  He  remarks,  that  in  a  nest  con- 
taining seven  eggs,  three  of  them  were  larger  than  the  rest,  and 
were  fresh,  while  the  other  four  were  far  advanced  toward 
hatching.  From  this  he  inferred  that  two  different  birds  had 
laid  in  the  same  nest.  There  seems  no  great  need  of  crowding 
thus,  since  the  male  employs  himself  in  building  nests,  a  great 
part  of  which  are  neither  wanted  nor  used.  This  species, 


316  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

which  has  been  confounded  with  the  following,  remains  with 
us  from  May  till  September. 

The  SALT-WATER  MARSH  WREN,  Troglodytes  palustris.  is 
found  on  marshes  and  the  borders  of  rivers  near  the  sea,  but 
is  not  so  common  as  the  preceding.  This  bird  is  quick  and 
active  in  its  motions,  and  in  its  song  resembles  the  last  de- 
scribed. The  nost  is  formed  of  wet  rushes  twisted  into  each 
other,  and  filled  in  with  mud,  in  the  shape  of  a  cocoa-nut, 
with  an  opening  in  the  side.  The  eggs  are  from  six  to  eight, 
of  a  color  approaching  to  mahogany.  Nuttall  thought  that 
this  bird  hardly  ever  came  nearer  than  New  York  ;  but  Dr. 
Storer  has  found  its  nest  and  eggs  at  Barnstable  in  our  State. 

The  WINTER  WREN,  Troglodytes  hiemalis,  is  inserted  in  the 
list  of  our  birds,  on  the  authority  of  Audubon.  It  abounds  in 
Maine  in  summer,  but  in  this  State  it  must  be  always  rare. 

The  WOOD  WREN,  Troglodytes  Americana,  is  a  new  spe- 
cies, discovered  by  the  same  distinguished  ornithologist,  who 
says  that  it  is  found  in  Massachusetts,  though  he  cannot  speak 
with  certainty  of  its  summer  haunts,  nor  of  the  extent  of  its 
migrations. 

The  BLUE  BIRD,  Sialia  Wilsonii,  is  a  delightful  messenger 
of  spring,  whose  early  appearance  makes  us  ask,  "  Hast  thou 
a  star  to  guide  thy  path  ?"  since  he  comes  before  the  fetters  of 
Orion  are  unbound,  or  the  sweet  influences  of  Pleiades  have 
begun  lo  fall.  He  is  said  to  resemble  the  English  redbreast 
so  much  iu  form  and  habits,  as  well  as  the  tinge  on  his  breast, 
that  he  was  called  the  blue-robin,  by  the  first  settlers  of  this 
country.  The  first  indication  of  spring  brings  the  blue-bird, 
and  his  sweet,  but  rather  timid  and  tremulous  note  seems  ex- 
pressive of  uncertainty,  whether  the  season  will  permit  him  to 
remain.  He  is  often  driven  back  by  a  relapse,  as  happened 
in  January  of  the  last  year,  when  he  came  on  one  or  two  fine 
mornings,  but  was  soon  compelled  to  retreat.  Every  body 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  317 

loves  the  blue-bird,  and  some  make  it  a  practice  to  encourage 
him  by  providing  lodgings  for  him,  which  he  readily  occupies, 
and  where  he  manifests  a  freedom  from  uneasiness,  which  he 
cannot  feel  where  his  nest  is  more  exposed.  It  certainly  is 
wise  to  encourage  him ;  for  almost  all  his  time  is  spent  in 
catching  beetles,  grasshoppers,  spiders,  and  grubs,  for  which 
we  have  seen  him  descending  in  fields,  and  open  grounds. 
The  wire-worm  is  another  of  their  luxuries,  which  are  all 
of  a  kind  that  man  can  easily  spare.  When  they  eat  berries, 
it  is  not  those  of  the  garden,  but  the  sumach  and  wild  cherry. 

Unless  the  hospitality  of  man  provides  the  blue-bird  with 
lodgings,  he  resorts  to  hollow  trees,  where  he  shelters  himself 
from  the  elements,  and  there,  or  in  a  house  made  for  the  pur- 
pose, the  pair  construct  their  nest ;  it  is  a  short  and  easy  pro- 
cess, for  nothing  is  required  but  a  lining  of  hay  and  feathers. 
The  eggs  are  from  four  to  six,  of  a  pale  blue.  Two  broods, 
and  sometimes  more,  are  raised  in  the  season,  and,  while  the 
female  sits  on  the  second  set  of  eggs,  the  male  takes  charge  of 
the  young.  In  defence  of  his  family  he  is  very  courageous  ; 
he  has  been  known  to  attack  a  hen  Avith  chickens,  who  came 
too  near  his  abode,  and  put  her  to  a  hasty  flight. 

During  winter,  the  blue-birds  abound  in  the  southern  states, 
and  particularly  in  the  Floridas,  which,  however,  they  leave  as 
early  as  possible.  But  they  do  not  go  very  far  to  the  north. 
In  Maine  they  are  not  common,  and  in  Labrador  not  one  was 
seen  by  Audubon's  party.  Towards  autumn,  their  song  is  no 
longer  heard,  except  one  complaining  note  in  which  they  seem 
to  lament  the  necessity  of  leaving  their  home.  To  the  last 
moment  they  linger,  and  it  is  not  till  the  trumpet  of  the  storm 
indicates  that  the  hosts  of  winter  are  upon  them,  that  they  will 
consent  to  bid  us  farewell. 

The  BROWN  LARK,  Anthus  spinoletta,  is  one  of  those  birds 
which  arrive  from  the  north,  without  much  to  indicate  whence 
they  came  or  whither  they  are  going.  They  are  common  in 
fields  in  the  country,  and  are  said  to  be  equally  so  along  the 
borders  of  rivers  and  the  Atlantic  shores.  They  fly  in  loose 


318  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

scattered  flocks,  giving  out  a  feeble  note,  run  rapidly  on  the 
ground,  and  when  they  take  wing,  generally  move  high  and 
far  before  they  alight.  Some  of  them  spend  the  winter  in 
Pennsylvania,  and  they  abound  at  that  season  in  the  southern 
states.  Those  which  pass  through  our  State  in  the  autumn, 
are  all  young  ;  nothing  is  known  of  the  old  birds,  though  Lab- 
rador is  one  of  the  places  where  they  rear  their  young. 


GRANIVOROUS,    OR   PASSERINE   BIRDS. 

The  SHORE  LARK,  Alauda  alpestris,  is  a  pretty  bird,  which 
comes  to  us  from  the  north  at  the  approach  of  winter,  and,  if 
the  season  closes  early,  is  seen  here  in  October,  on  its  way  to 
the  middle  states.  If  the  season  is  mild,  they  sometimes  re- 
main here,  and  those  which  proceed,  seldom  go  farther  south 
than  Maryland.  While  here,  they  fly  high,  in  loose  scattered 
flocks,  and  have  a  single  note,  resembling  that  of  the  sky-lark 
of  England.  Their  food  seems  to  consist  of  seeds  and  the  lar- 
VSB  of  insects,  which  they  find  on  the  ground,  or  on  fences 
where  they  sometimes  alight,  though  they  never  perch  on  a 
tree.  They  pass  the  night  on  the  earth,  in  small  parties,  near 
tufts  of  dry  grass.  When  they  are  alarmed,  all  take  wing,  and 
after  flying  round  for  a  short  time,  return  to  the  same  place 
again. 

Audubon  describes  the  nest  of  this  bird,  which  he  found  in 
the  moss  at  Labrador,  and  tells  us  that  the  song  of  the  male  at 
that  season  is  very  sweet. 

The  SNOW  BUNTING,  Embcriza  nivalis.  As  soon  as  winter 
reigns  "  sole  monarch  of  the  inverted  year,"  these  birds  come, 
riding  on  the  snow-storms,  and  are  seen  in  parties  sweeping  over 
the  desolate  country.  Sometimes  they  alight  on  trees,  some- 
times on  fences,  and  are  even  familiar  enough  to  take  their 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  319 

station  at  times  upon  the  roofs  of  houses.  Till  they  are  perse- 
cuted for  the  sake  of  their  flesh,  they  are  disposed  to  be  on  t"ie 
best  possible  terms  with  man  ;  but  as  they  are  considered  the 
harbingers  of  very  severe  weather,  they  meet  but  a  cold  wel- 
come. Their  flight  is  swift,  and  well  sustained ;  they  seem  to 
enjoy  the  fierce  and  angry  winds  j  but  careless  of  cold  as  they 
are,  and  apparently  well  protected,  they  are  sometimes  so 
chilled  as  to  be  unable  to  escape  from  those  who  pursue  them. 
In  Labrador,  where  they  are  called  White  Birds,  they  feed  on 
seeds  and  insects,  but  while  here,  they  must  depend  for  their 
subsistence  almost  entirely  on  seeds.  For  this  purpose  they 
often  alight  on  trees,  but  are  seldom  seen  in  the  woods.  Like 
the  larks,  they  live  much  on  the  ground. 

The  summer  dress  of  the  snow  bunting  is  pure  white  and 
black  ;  but  they  are  not  seen  with  this  plumage  here.  Their 
appearance  here  is  various  ;  but  generally  they  are  white  and 
rusty  brown.  In  the  summer  they  are  said  to  sing  sweetly, 
but  their  strains  are  wasted  on  the  desert  air.  Some  have  been 
known  to  rear  their  young  in  the  White  Mountains  of  New 
Hampshire. 

The  BLACK-THROATED  BUNTING,  Emberiza  Americana,  is 
found  in  high  meadows. near  the  salt  water  marshes,  from  the 
middle  of  May  till  the  last  of  August,  when  it  returns  to  the 
south,  and  spends  the  winter  in  countries  beyond  the  bounda- 
ries of  the  Union.  Early  in  summer,  they  feed  on  caterpillars 
and  insects,  and  are  among  the  destroyers  of  the  pernicious 
canker-worm.  Their  note  is  constantly  heard  from  every  level 
field  of  grass  or  grain  ;  they  often  perch  on  some  low  tree,  and 
there  for  a  long  time  breathe  out  their  simple  and  unpretending 
song.  At  these  times,  they  may  be  approached  without  taking 
wing  ;  they  seem  to  be  friendly  to  man,  to  other  birds,  and  to 
each  other.  In  August  they  become  silent,  and  not  long  after, 
leave  us  for  the  south,  going  beyond  the  extremity  of  the 
Union. 

The  SCARLET  TAN  AGES,  Tanagra  rubra,  is  a  splendid  sum- 


320  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

mer  resident  in  this  State.  He  is  retired  in  his  habits,  but  not 
distrustful,  and  as  he  often  comes  into  enclosures,  he  is  well 
known  by  his  rich  and  elegant  plumage,  and  the  sweet  variety 
of  his  song.  His  common  note  is  a  chip,  chirr ,  repeated  at 
short  intervals,  in  such  a  tone  that  it  is  very  difficult  for  the 
hearer  to  determine  whence  the  sound  proceeds.  At  other 
times  he  has  a  song,  which  bears  some  resemblance  to  that  of 
the  red-eye,  excepting  that  it  is  more  continuous  and  unbroken. 
Were  it  not  that  the  eye  is  charmed  by  the  beauty  of  his  scar- 
let and  glossy  black,  as  it  glows  against  the  foliage  in  the  sun, 
his  musical  powers  would  be  more  highly  estimated.  There 
is  nothing  to  be  set  off  against  these  recommendations.  He 
cannot  be  accused  of  any  kind  of  depredation.  His  food  con- 
sists of  insects,  and  of  these,  he  is  particularly  fond  of  the 
wasp,  one  of  our  greatest  fruit  destroyers.  Sometimes  he 
feeds  on  berries  and  seeds,  but  they  are  not  taken  from  the 
garden. 

These  birds  arrive  toward  the  last  of  May,  and  immediately 
begin  to  build,  generally  on  the  large  bow  of  an  oak,  but  some- 
times on  an  orchard  tree.  The  nest  is  loosely  put  together. 
The  eggs  are  three  or  four,  bluish,  spotted  with  purple  and 
brown.  They  are  very  affectionate  toward  their  young.  If 
any  one  approaches  the  nest,  the  female  is  in  great  distress. 
As  soon  as  they  require  food,  the  male  supplies  it,  and  so  anx- 
ious is  he  for  their  welfare,  that  he  has  been  known  to  follow 
one  of  them  for  half  a  mile,  and  as  he  could  not  release  it,  to 
feed  it  through  the  wires  of  its  cage,  and  roost  in  the  same  tree 
by  night.  At  the  beginning  of  August,  the  male  assumes  the 
green  and  yellow  dress  of  the  female,  and  in  company  with 
their  young,  they  set  off  for  their  winter  quarters. 

The  INDIGO  BIRD,  Tringilla  cyanea,  is  a  spirited  and  beauti- 
ful summer  resident,  well  known  in  every  garden,  where,  from 
the  tops  of  trees,  from  roofs,  arid  chimneys  and  lightning  rods, 
we  hear  his  sweet  lisping  song,  which  at  first  is  exceedingly 
pleasant,  but  at  length  wearies  the  ear  by  its  perpetual  repeti- 
tion throughout  the  summer  day.  The  rich  blue  which  gives 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  321 

this  bird  its  name,  belong  exclusively  to  the  male  ;  the  female 
and  the  young  wear  plain  flaxen  dresses.  The  young  males  of 
the  first  year  have  a  little  blue  in  their  buff  colored  plumage  ; 
this  increases  as  the  bird  grows,  and  it  is  not  till  the  third  year 
that  it  acquires  the  azure  with  green  reflections,  which  makes 
the  mature  bird  so  ornamental  to  the  village  scenery.  It  is 
sometimes  difficult  to  determine  whether  it  is  blue  or  green,  so 
rapidly  does  it  change  in  different  lights,  as  it  glances  in  the 
sun. 

The  nest  of  the  indigo-bird  is  usually  in  a  low  bush,  some- 
times in  vines ;  in  the  former  case,  it  is  suspended  between 
two  twigs.  The  outside  is  composed  of  coarse  grass  and 
withered  leaves  ;  the  lining  is  of  grass  and  hair.  The  eggs  are 
greenish  white  and  unspotted,  according  to  Nuttall ;  Wilson 
says,  blue,  with  a  purple  blotch  at  the  larger  end  ;  Audubon 
says,  "  with  a  blotch  or  two  of  purple."  As  to  these  singular 
discrepancies,  I  have  already  remarked,  that  this  part  of  the 
subject  is  greatly  in  want  of  attention. 

The  WHITE-CROWNED  SPARROW,  Fringilla  leucophrys^  is  one 
of  the  finest  of  this  family  of  birds.  It  is  seen  here,  but  very 
rarely,  on  its  way  to  the  north  in  the  spring.  Audubon  de- 
scribes its  nest,  which  he  found  in  Labrador,  and  speaks  of  its 
notes  as  very  plaintive  and  sweet. 

The  WHITE-THROATED  SPARROW,  Fringilla  Pennsylvanica, 
is  much  more  abundant  than  the  last.  It  attracts  attention  by 
its  size  and  beauty,  and  still  more  by  its  song,  which,  though 
unvaried  in  tone,  and  slowly  and  solemnly  uttered,  is  neverthe- 
less, as  heard  in  May  mornings,  one  of  the  most  delightful  melo- 
dies of  spring.  It  is  not  known  in  what  manner  it  performs  its 
migrations  ;  the  first  news  we  have  of  its  coming  is  from  its  own 
plaintive  note,  heard  from  the  borders  of  the  fields.  The  spar- 
rows move  in  companies,  and  frequent  hedges  and  thickets, 
where  they  run  upon  the  ground  and  scratch  for  seeds.  On 
any  alarm,  they  plunge  into  the  deepest  shade  ;  but  when  free 
41 


322  BIRDS   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

from  uneasiness,  they  ascend  to  the  highest  branches  and  open 
their  plaintive  and  emphatic  strain.  In  the  warmer  days,  they 
resort  more  to  the  borders  of  woods,  but  the  thicket  is  always 
their  favorite  home.  They  appear  to  have  no  great  dread  of 
the  presence  of  man  ;  but  the  hawks  are  very  destructive  to 
them,  and  the  sparrows  seem  aware  of  their  danger,  and  de- 
sirous to  keep  as  much  as  possible  out  of  their  sight  and  reach. 
In  New  Hampshire  their  note  is  interpreted  into  a  warning, 
that  the  time  to  sow  wheat  is  come.  Their  stay  does  not  ex- 
ceed two  weeks  ;  and,  when  they  leave  us,  they  go  to  the  far 
north.  Dr.  Richardson  found  their  nests  on  the  banks  of  the 
Great  Bear  Lake. 

The  BAY-WINGED  PINCH,  Fringilla  graminea,  is  a  bird,  plain 
in  appearance,  but  pleasant  and  unpretending  in  its  song,  which 
is  constantly  heard  in  fields  and  dry  pastures :  they  run  on  the 
ground,  in  the  manner  of  larks,  in  search  of  the  seeds  and  in- 
sects which  compose  their  food.  To  the  grass-bird,  as  it  is 
called,  we  are  indebted  for  some  of  the  sweetest  music  of  our 
spring ;  their  song  begins  very  early  in  the  morning,  and  con- 
tinues after  sunset,  but  they  are  generally  silent  in  the  heat  of 
the  day.  They  come  early  in  April,  and  the  best  of  their 
song  is  heard  till  the  summer  opens,  when  their  note  becomes 
more  monotonous  for  the  season.  Some  of  them  spend  the 
winter  in  Pennsylvania,  but  most  of  them  go  farther  to  the 
south  to  escape  the  cold. 

The  nest  is  built  in  the  grass,  partly  sunk  in  the  ground.  It 
is  formed  of  leaves  and  dry  grass,  well  lined  with  horse-hair. 
The  eggs,  four  or  five  in  number,  are  flesh-colored  white,  with 
spots  of  reddish  brown.  When  the  female  is  disturbed,  she 
pretends  lameness,  and  practises  various  arts  to  withdraw  at- 
tention from  her  young. 

The  AMBIGUOUS  SPARROW,  Fringilla  ambigua,  of  which  a 
single  specimen  was  obtained  by  Nuttall,  was,  he  says,  a  young 
bird;  and  may  undergo  some  changes  in  its  markings.  Audu- 
bon  suggests  that  it  may  turn  out  to  be  the  white-crowned 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  323 

sparrow  in  its  winter  plumage.     The  size  is  different ;  but  the 
point  must  be  left  for  future  observations  to  decide. 

The  SONG  SPARROW,  Fringilla  melodia,  is  a  well-known 
bird,  very  common  in  all  parts  of  New  England,  and  richly 
deserves  its  name.  It  comes  in  company  with  the  blue-bird, 
and  though  it  has  no  pretension  to  the  beauty  of  its  friend, 
exceeds  it  in  the  sweetness  of  its  song.  This  cheerful  and 
pleasant  note  is  heard,  in  the  near  vicinity  of  human  dwellings, 
from  trees,  stakes,  and  fences,  and  if  it  were  not  one  of  the 
most  familiar  sounds  of  summer,  would  be  universally  admired. 
This  bird  is  common  in  Louisiana,  in  winter,  and  comes  to 
the  north  before  the  snows  have  left  the  ground.  From  the 
time  of  its  arrival  we  hear  its  unwearied  note  at  all  hours  of 
the  day,  growing  louder  and  more  animated  as  the  spring  ad- 
vances. It  frequents  fields  and  meadows,,  which  afford  the 
insects  which  it  is  active  in  destroying.  It  also  enjoys  the 
vicinity  of  water,  in  which  it  is  fond  of  bathing.  It  has  been 
known  to  swim  to  some  distance  when  disabled  from  flying. 

The  song-sparrows  build  sometimes  in  a  bush,  and  some- 
times on  the  ground.  They  have  been  known  to  resort  to  a 
hollow  tree.  The  nest  is  usually  made  of  dried  grass  with  a 
lining  of  hair.  The  eggs  are  greenish  white,  speckled  or 
spotted  with  umber,  chiefly  toward  the  larger  end.  Audubon 
inquires,  why  it  is,  that  they  never  use  the  same  nest  twice, 
when  they  raise  two  or  three  broods  in  a  season,  and  always 
keep  it  so  scrupulously  clean  ?  The  obvious  reply  is,  that  a 
bird  so  neat  and  industrious,  is  the  very  one  most  likely  to 
take  the  trouble  of  building  a  new  nest ;  while  a  bird  more 
slovenly  and  indolent,  would  re-occupy  its  old  abode,  from 
the  same  aversion  to  labor  which  induced  it  to  leave  it  neg- 
lected. 

The  SAVANNAH  SPARROW,  Fringilla  Savanna,  is  rare,  com- 
pared with  the  preceding,  and  is  most  common  near  the  sea. 
Its  song  is  animated,  though  far  inferior  to  that  of  the  song- 
sparrow.  Though  it  is  very  hardy,  it  proceeds  to  the  south 


324  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

in  winter  and  returns  in  April,  when  it  resorts  to  fields  and 
open  plains.  Audubon  says,  that  it  breeds  in  all  places  from 
Maryland  to  Labrador.  If  so,  the  nest  probably  can  be  found 
here,  though  it  may  be  easily  mistaken  for  that  of  the  species 
last  described. 

The  SNOW-BIRD,  Fringilla  hiemalis,  commonly  called  the 
blue  snow-bird,  to  distinguish  it  from  the  snow-bunting,  a  bird 
much  less  common  than  this,  comes  to  us  just  in  advance  of 
the  wintry  desolation,  an  infallible  sign  that  the  dreary  season 
is  at  hand ;  dreary  to  us,  it  would  be  proper  to  say  ;  for  this 
little  traveller,  though  it  retreats  before  it,  evidently  has  no 
fear  of  its  cold  and  snow.  It  is  almost  always  seen  here  in 
company  with  the  tree-sparrows.  After  doing  all  they  can  to 
pick  up  a  subsistence  from  the  frozen  ground,  they  come  round 
our  houses  to  gather  crumbs,  or  any  morsels  of  provision  that 
may  have  been  cast  out  from  the  door  j  and  if  a  handful  of 
meal  is  thrown  to  them,  they  receive  it  with  great  delight. 
After  remaining  with  us  as  long  as  possible,  in  the  heart  of  the 
winter,  they  are  compelled  to  remove  ;  but  with  the  first 
glimpse  of  spring  they  reappear,  resorting  to  orchards  or  to 
the  edges  of  the  wood,  and  roosting  in  hay-stacks,  when  the 
nights  are  severely  cold.-  They  are  only  summer  residents  in 
the  fur  countries,  and  never  abound  there.  Wilson  tells  us 
that  they  sometimes  breed  in  the  Alleghany  mountains. 

The  YELLOW-SHOULDERED  SPARROW,  Fringilla  savannarum, 
comes  from  Mexico  and  the  West-India  islands,  where  it  passes 
the  winter.  It  pays  us  a  passing  visit,  when  it  attracts  some 
attention  by  its  song ;  but  it  soon  hurries  on  to  some  other 
breeding-place.  While  here,  it  prefers  the  neighborhood  of 
the  sea,  where  it  explores  newly  ploughed  fields  in  search  of 
insects  and  seeds.  It  never  retires  to  the  woods. 

The  TREE-SPARROW,  Fringilla  Canadensis,  arrives  from 
the  north  at  the  approach  of  winter,  and  remains  here  during 
most  of  that  season.  It  is  called  the  snow-bird,  by  many,  and 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  325 

is  often  seen  in  company  with  the  bine  snow-bird.  When 
the  deep  snows  cut  off  their  ^resources  for  food,  they  come  to- 
gether into  our  yards  and  under  our  windows,  and  generally 
succeed  in  obtaining  some  small  charity  from  man.  Early  in 
spring  they  prepare  for  their  return,  but  delay  it  on  various 
pretexts  ;  till,  a  day  or  two  before  their  departure,  they  re- 
cover their  voices,  and  sing  sweetly  from  the  trees  of  the  or- 
chard. Audubon  did  not  find  them  at  Labrador  ;  but  he  met 
with  their  nests  in  Nova  Scotia,  and  his  impression  is,  that 
they  breed  in  the  northern  parts  of  Maine.  The  tree-sparrows 
are  easily  distinguished  from  others,  by  the  spot  in  the  centre 
of  the  breast. 

The  CHIPPING  SPARROW,  Fringilla  socialis,  is  our  most  com- 
mon bird,  and  so  well  known  as  hardly  to  need  a  description. 
It  is  found  alike  in  the  city  and  the  village,  in  the  field  and 
the  garden,  in  the  forest  and  at  the  house-door.  After  passing 
the  winter  in  the  southern  states,  it  returns  early  in  the  spring. 
It  has  no  pretension  to  song,  though,  when  it  first  returns,  it 
keeps  a  continuous  jingling  sound,  unlike  the  chipping  note  to 
which  it  owes  its  name.  At  the  close  of  summer,  the  old  and 
young  birds  search  for  seeds  in  the  fields  in  large  flocks,  col- 
lected in  preparation  for  their  flight.  The  first  snow  fall  is 
their  signal  for  disappearing. 

This  little  sparrow,  in  order  to  escape  from  worse  enemies, 
places  its  nest  under  the  care  of  man.  It  builds  in  the  sides  of 
walks,  the  corners  of  piazzas,  or  some  spot  equally  open  to  ob- 
servation ;  and  so  strong  is  it  confidence,  that,  if  the  nest  is 
torn  down,  it  regards  it  as  an  accident,  and  builds  in  the  same 
place  again.  It  adopts  these  sheltered  situations,  with  a  view, 
no  doubt,  to  escape  from  cuckoos,  which  would  steal  all  its 
eggs  if  they  were  exposed  in  the  woods. 

TheJFiELD  SPARROW.  Fringilla  pusilla,  resembles  the  spe- 
cies last  described,  but  is  brighter  in  color  and  has  a  longer 
tail.  With  us,  after  the  first  of  April,  it  is  found  in  open  fields 
and  pastures,  where  it  lives  on  insects  and  seeds.  The  song 


326  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

is  peculiar  and  likely  to  attract  attention,  not  so  much  from  its 
sweetness,  as  its  canary-like  trill.  Its  nest  is  built  on  the 
ground,  after  the  fashion  of  most  other  sparrows,  and  made  of 
hay,  with  a  lining  of  fine  grass  or  horse-hair.  The  eggs  are  so 
thickly  sprinkled  with  rusty  brown  as  to  appear  almost  wholly 
of  that  color.  It  usually  raises  two  broods  in  a  season. 

The  SWAMP  SPARROW,  Fringilla  palustris.  is  rather  com- 
mon, after  the  middle  of  April,  in  the  swamps  and  marshes, 
from  which  it  takes  its  name.  Wilson  speaks  of  it  as  destitute 
of  song.  This  is  a  mistake  ;  its  strain,  though  not  equal  to 
that  of  some  others  of  the  tribe,  is  lively  and  pleasant.  It  is 
distinguished  by  its  passion  for  the  vicinity  of  water,  where  it 
continually  forces  through  brush  and  thickets,  till  its  tail  is 
worn  almost  away. 

The  nest  of  the  swamp  sparrow  is  made  on  the  ground  in 
swamps,  with  the  coarse  grass  which  grows  there.  The  eggs 
are  four  or  five,  of  a  dull  white,  spotted  with  reddish  brown. 
The  old  birds  express  great  anxiety  for  their  young,  but  appa- 
rently without  much  reason,  for  they  have  a  wonderful  alacrity 
at  hiding  in  the  grassy  places  where  they  dwell. 

The  SHARP-TAILED  FINCH,  Fringilla  caudacuta,  is  added,  at 
the  suggestion  of  Dr.  Brewer,  on  the  authority  of  Nuttall. 

The  SEASIDE  FINCH,  Fringilla  maritima,  is  found  along 
the  borders  of  the  ocean,  and  in  the  sea  islands  j  it  visits  the 
interior  only  when  driven  by  easterly  storms.  It  runs  in 
search  of  marine  insects  and  small  shell-fish,  like  a  sandpiper, 
on  the  edge  of  the  strand.  Like  the  swamp  sparrow,  it  has 
feet  and  legs  of  great  strength,  and  suited  to  its  way  of  life. 
These  finches  build  on  those  parts  of  the  marshes  which  are 
above  the  flow  of  the  tides.  The  nest  is  of  grass ;  the  eggs 
are  dusky  white,  speckled  with  brown. 

The  AMERICAN  GOLDFINCH,  Fringilla  tristis,  well  known  by 
its  beautiful  yellow  plumage  and  jet  black  wings,  can  hardly 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  327 

be  said  to  return  in  the  spring,  since  many  of  them  do  not  leave 
us  in  winter,  though,  as  they  roam  about  in  their  dusky  dresses, 
with  their  complaining  note,  there  is  little  about  them  to  re- 
mind us  of  the  gay  musicians  of  the  spring.  They  are  often 
seen  when  the  ground  is  covered,  gathering  a  living  from 
the  tall  stalks  of  weeds  that  rise  above  the  snow.  For  some 
time  they  will  be  missing,  and  then  they  rove  about  without 
any  fixed  direction,  and  apparently  never  much  troubled  by 
the  want  of  food.  When  the  warm  gales  begin  to  blow,  the 
males  resume  their  colored  dress,  the  females  among  birds  not 
being  permitted  to  share  that  fatal  gift  of  beauty,  that  might 
attracrjattention  to  their  nest.  The  social  habits  of  these 
pretty  birds  give  double  interest  to  their  song,  since  all  join  in 
harmony,  sometimes  plaintive  and  low,  then  gay  and  loud,  as 
they  enjoy  the  sunshine  together.  They  are  fond  of  bathing 
and  pluming  themselves  in  company ;  in  fact,  they  always  as- 
sociate together  on  the  most  friendly  terms.  In  our  gardens 
they  collect  the  seeds  of  lettuce,  but  thistle  down  is  their  favo- 
rite food,  land  they^cannot  be  justly  charged  with  doing  any 
injury  whatever. 

They  make  use  of  thistle  down,  with  other  soft  and  delicate 
substances,  to  build  their  nests.  They  are  placed  on  trees  or 
tall  bushes,  and  constructed  externally  of  dry  leaves  and  other 
rubbish,  with  a  lining  of  fine  grass,  hair  or  down.  Audubon 
speaks  of  its  nest  as  covered  with  lichens,  glued  on  with 
saliva  ;  the  nests  here  have  no  such  disguise.  He  also  speaks 
of  the  eggs,  which  are  from  four  to  six  in  number,  as  white, 
tinged  with  bluish,  and  speckled  with  reddish  brown.  Here, 
the  eggs  are  white. 

A  year  or  two  since,  I  saw  one,  in  a  large  flock  of  gold- 
finches, which  was  distinguished  from  the  rest  by  plumage 
partly  flaxen  and  partly  white.  At  a  little  distance  it  appeared 
like  a  snow  white  bird. 

The  PINE  FINCH,  Fringilla  pinus,  comes  occasionally  from 
the  north  in  winter,  and  sometimes  proceeds  as  far  as  the 
southern  extremity  of  the  Union  ;  but  the  first  approach  of 


328  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

spring  drives  them  back  to  their  northern  home.  In  the  state 
of  Maine  they  abound  in  the  cold  season,  and  are  sometimes, 
though  not  regularly,  seen  here.  Their  flight  resembles  that 
of  the  goldfinch,  with  rising  and  falling  inflections,  and  their 
note  is  said  to  be  similar  and  equally  sweet.  Where  they  rear 
their  young  has  not  yet  been  discovered. 

The  LESSER  REDPOLE,  Fringilla  linaria,  is  an  occasional 
visiter  in  winter.  Flocks  have  been  seen  as  far  south  as  Phila- 
delphia ;  but  they  come  at  uncertain,  and  generally  distant  in- 
tervals, and  very  little  is  known  concerning  either  their  habits 
or  their  song. 

The  FOX-COLORED  SPARROW,  Fringilla  iliaca,  is  perhaps  the 
finest  of  this  family  of  birds.  It  is  large  and  handsome  ;  gen- 
erally larger  than  NuttalPs  measurement,  which  is  but  six 
inches.  When  the  evening  sun  falls  on  its  cinnamon  plumage, 
its  appearance  is  beautiful.  It  passes  through  Massachusetts 
on  its  way  to  the  south,  soon  after  the  fall  of  the  leaf,  and  re- 
turns early  in  the  spring  •  it  is  then  seen  in  gardens,  scratch- 
ing the  ground,  in  search  of  seeds  and  insects,  making  no  sound 
except  a  low  call  occasionally  to  its  companions.  It  waits  till 
the  weather  grows  mild  enough  for  its  journey,  and  as  soon  as 
it  determines  to  go,  perches  on  the  high  branches  of  trees  and 
sings  an  air,  easy,  flowing,  clear  and  incomparably  sweet. 
They  rear  their  young  in  the  British  Provinces  and  other 
northern  regions. 

The  GROUND  ROBIN,  Fringilla  erythropthalma,  is  an  ex- 
ceedingly common  bird,  found  on  the  borders  of  forests  and 
woodland  roads,  where  it  scratches  among  the  dry  leaves  for 
worms  and  insects,  so  entirely  absorbed  in  its  employment  that 
any  one  can  approach  within  a  few  feet  of  it  without  its  taking 
any  alarm.  While  thus  engaged,  it  often  utters  the  loud  call 
from  which  it  is  named  the  pee-winkj  and  sometimes  the  tow- 
wee  bunting.  But  at  times,  it  sings  with  much  more  preten- 
sion, and,  perched  on  the  high  branch  of  an  oak,  warbles  a  loud, 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  329 

clear,  and  very  agreeable  song.  It  leaves  us  for  the  south  in 
October,  and  returns  in  April,  the  males  coming  first,  as  if  to 
make  the  necessary  preparations.  In  autumn  the  case  is  re- 
versed, and  the  females  lead  in  the  migration.  There  is  some- 
times a  fortnight  between. 

Wilson  praises  the  address  with  which  the  ground-robin 
conceals  the  place  of  its  nest  j  but  it  seems  to  depend  almost 
entirely  on  its  resemblance  to  the  ground  about  it,  to  secure  it 
from  unfriendly  observers.  It  is  sunk  a  little  below  the  sur- 
face, sometimes  under  the  shelter  of  a  small  bush,  and  is  made 
of  such  materials  as  come  most  readily  to  hand,  such  as  strips 
of  bark  and  withered  grass,  with  a  lining  either  of  fine  grass 
or  the  fallen  leaves  of  a  pine.  The  eggs  are  four  or  five,  of 
a  soft  white,  spotted  with  reddish  brown.  The  old  birds  are 
very  anxious  for  the  safety  of  their  young,  and  practise  the 
usual  arts  to  draw  the  intruder  from  their  nest. 

The  CARDINAL  GROSBEAK,  Fringilla  cardinalis,  cannot  be. 
considered  as  one  of  our  birds,  though  its  occasional  visits  re- 
quire its  insertion  in  our  list.  It  is  seen,  but  only  at  irregular 
intervals,  in  the  villages  on  Connecticut  river.  Wherever  the 
celebrated  red-bird  appears,  it  attracts  attention,  not  only  by 
its  splendid  plumage,  but  its  bold  and  beautiful  song. 

The  ROSE-BREASTED  GROSBEAK,  Fringilla  Ludoviciana,  sup- 
plies the  place  of  the  cardinal,  rivalling  that  fine  bird  in  beauty 
and  surpassing  it  in  song.  It  is  difficult  to  determine  at  what 
time  its  visits  to  us  are  paid.  It  is  seen  here  sometimes  before 
the  snow  has  left  the  ground,  and  is  met  with  at  intervening 
periods  till  midsummer ;  as  this  is  the  time  for  incubation,  it 
must  rear  its  young  in  some  places  not  distant,  certainly,  if 
not  within  our  bounds.  At  the  latter  part  of  the  summer,  our 
gardens  are  frequented  by  the  young  in  great  numbers,  and 
bitter  complaints  are  made,  with  or  without  reason,  of  their 
depredations  on  the  peas.  Near  the  sea-shore  they  are  much 
less  common  than  in  the  interior;  in  some  years,  it  is  rare  in 
all  parts  of  the  State. 
42 


330  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

This  bird  migrates  to  the  south  early  in  autumn,  and  on  its 
way,  is  seen  in  many  parts  of  the  Union  ;  the  nest  is  found 
in  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  and  regions  farther  north,  but 
in  Labrador,  Audubon  did  not  find  a  single  bird.  The  note  of 
this  grosbeak  is  striking,  particularly  when  heard,  as  it  often 
may  be,  in  the  silence  of  the  night.  It  may  be  seen  standing 
with  its  wings  lifted,  as  if  to  display  the  crimson  lining,  before 
it  begins  its  song.  The  young  are  three  years  in  obtaining 
their  plumage.  Till  then,  they  resemble  the  female,  except 
that  the  red  begins  early  to  show  its  traces  on  the  breast.  The 
descriptions  usually  given  of  the  bird,  do  not  agree  with  spe- 
cimens that  are  often  found  with  stripes  of  white  on  the  head 
and  over  the  eye.  The  tail,  instead  of  being  forked,  is  very 
slightly  ernarginate,  if  at  all.  The  food  of  this  grosbeak  con- 
sists of  insects,  berries  and  seeds. 

The  BLUE  GROSBEAK,  Fringilla  ccerulea,  is  not  at  present 
known  as  one  of  our  birds  ;  but  a  gentleman,  whose  authority 
is  unquestionable,  is  confident  that  he  has  seen  more  than  one 
in  this  State.  It  will  without  much  doubt,  be  numbered  with 
our  occasional  visiters,  by  future  observers. 

The  PURPLE  FINCH,  Fringilla  purpurea,  is  not  an  uncom- 
mon bird  in  this  and  more  northern  regions.  Some  of  them 
pass  the  breeding  season  here ;  the  greater  number  keep  on 
toward  the  British  provinces,  where  they  spend  the  summer, 
and  return  to  the  south  about  the  time  when  the  leaves  fall. 
At  that  season  their  food  consists  of  insects  and  berries ;  when 
these  cannot  be  had,  they  eat  the  seeds  and  sometimes  the 
buds  of  trees. 

The  crimson  linnet,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  has  a  rich  and 
varied  warble,  clear  as  the  softest  tones  of  a  flute.  It  sings  not 
easily  and  unconsciously,  like  the  sweet  vireo,  which  it  resem- 
bles, but  more  with  the  air  of  a  performer,  and  as  if  it  knew 
that  some  one  was  standing  still  to  listen.  It  runs  through 
various  changes,  with  great  rapidity  and  skill,  and  seems  to 
challenge  all  the  feathered  tribes,  to  rival  its  admirable  song. 


BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  331 

General  Dearborn  was  the  first  to  discover  the  nest  of  this 
bird  in  Massachusetts.  It  was  built  on  the  low  branch  of  a 
balsam  fir,  with  the  outside  covered  with  lichens.  Mr.  Cabot 
and  Dr.  Brewer  have  also  found  them  ;  but  the  number  of 
those  that  remain  with  us  at  that  season,  must  be  small. 

The  PINE  GROSBEAK,  Pyrrhula  enucleator,  is  an  inhabitant 
of  cold  regions,  and  comes  to  us  at  irregular  intervals,  either  in 
winter  or  when  that  season  is  nigh.  Professor  Emmoris  tells 
me  that  they  were  common  near  Williamstown  in  the  autumn 
of  1836,  which  was  unusually  gloomy  and  cold.  They  are 
splendid  birds,  but  so  great  strangers  here,  that  they  hardly 
merit  a  description. 

The  COMMON  CROSSBILL,  Loxia  curvirostra,  belongs  to 
northern  regions,  and  comes  to  us  during  the  winter,  in  search 
of  food.  It  delights  in  the  seeds  of  evergreens,  and  makes 
use  of  its  singular  bill  to  extract  them,  holding  the  cones  in 
its  claw,  like  the  parrot,  while  it  forces  the  seed  vessels  open. 
At  the  south  it  is  in  the  habit  of  tearing  apples  to  pieces,  for 
the  sake  of  extracting  the  seeds.  Wilson  says,  that  in  deep 
saows,  it  is  familiar  at  the  cabin  of  the  hunter  ;  when  disturbed, 
it  flies  only  to  the  roof  and  soon  descends  to  the  ground,  to 
feed  as  before.  When  better  food  is  wanting,  it  sometimes 
relieves  the  sensation  of  hunger  by  swallowing  bits  of  clay. 
When  engaged  in  eating,  it  may  be  seen  standing  on  one  foot 
and  feeding  itself  with  the  other.  It  sometimes  employs  its 
bill  to  aid  itself  in  the  act  of  climbing. 

Audubon  has  not  succeeded  in  finding  the  nest  of  this  bird, 
but  he  has  explained  the  difference  of  markings  as  connected 
with  its  particular  age. 

The  WHITE-WINGED  CROSSBILL.  Loxia  leucoptera,  visits  us, 
like  the  former,  in  the  winter  season.  It  is  more  common  per- 
haps than  the  other,  but  still  is  rare.  It  comes  in  large  flocks, 
and  then  is  not  seen  for  several  years.  In  form  and  habits  it 


332  BIRDS   OF    MASSACHUSETTS. 

resembles  the  other  ;  but  is  a  much  handsomer  bird.  It  is 
known  by  its  colors,  black  and  crimson,  and  by  the  white  bands 
upon  the  wings. 


Z  YGODACTYLI. 

The  YELLOW-BILLED  CUCKOO,  Coccyzus  Americanus,  arrives 
from  the  south  about  the  first  of  May,  and  is  by  no  means  an 
uncommon  bird.  It  is  often  heard  when  it  cannot  be  seen, 
uttering  its  loud,  coarse  notes,  in  rapid  succession,  from  the 
depth  of  the  woodland  shade.  There  is  a  prevailing  impres- 
sion that  the  cuckoo's  cry  is  the  harbinger  of  rain,  from  which 
it  has  derived  its  popular  name  of  rain-crow.  This  bird  flies  in 
silence,  under  the  shadow  of  the  foliage,  as  if  it  were  conscious 
of  the  discreditable  manner  in  which  its  living  is  obtained, 
and  were  not  desirous  to  call  the  public  attention  to  its  pro- 
ceedings ;  for  when  thus  seen,  it  is  passing  from  the  nest  of 
one  small  bird  to  another,  to  suck  the  new  laid  eggs.  But 
this  is  not  all  its  subsistence.  It  devours  many  insects,  among 
others  the  large  yellow  cockchafer,  and  thus  does  some  good 
to  man,  to  atone  for  its  injuries  to  its  own  race. 

The  cuckoo  seldom  follows  the  example  of  its  foreign  name- 
sake, which  lays  its  eggs  in  the  nests  of  other  birds.  In  this 
country,  that  kind  of  knavery  is  almost  confined  to  the  cow- 
bird.  It  builds  for  itself  a  hasty  and  carelessly  constructed 
nest.  The  eggs,  from  two  to  four  in  number,  are  bluish  green. 
If  they  are  disturbed,  the  female  is  apt  to  desert  the  nest ;  but 
if  the  young  are  hatched,  it  is  so  devoted  and  affectionate,  that 
it  will  almost  be  taken  in  the  hand,  rather  than  abandon  its 
charge.  The  young  are  fed  with  the  hairy  caterpillars  that 
are  found  on  apple  trees  ;  but  it  is  well  that  they  are  not 
more  numerous,  since  they  might  greatly  diminish  the  num- 
bers of  other  birds  whose  services  would  be  more  important 
than  theirs. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  333 

The  BLACK-BILLED  CUCKOO,  Coccyzus  erythrophthalmus, 
is  often  <  mistaken  for  the  preceding,  from  which  it  differs  in 
some  of  its  habits,  beside  arriving  later  in  the  spring.  It  feeds 
on  insects  and  birds'  eggs,  like  the  other,  but  extends  its  bill  of 
fare  to  include  the  small  shell-fish  found  in  fresh  waters  and 
the  small  frogs  from  wet  grounds.  For  this  reason  it  is  often 
found  near  the^edge  of  water,  or  on  branches  bending  down- 
ward to  the  stream.  This  species  is  less  timid  than  the 
other ;  its  note  is  equally  unmusical. 

These  birds  build  their  nests  in  the  forest,  resembling  those 
of  the  former  species,  being  little  more  than  a  flooring  of  twigs 
and  moss,  with  a  slight  hollow  in  the  centre  to  receive  the 
eggs.  These  are  from  three  to  five,  of  the  same  color  with 
the  other,  but  rather  smaller. 

The  GOLDEN-WINGED  WOODPECKER,  Picus  auratus,  is  a  very 
common  bird  in  our  gardens,  known  when  flying  at  a  distance, 
by  the  white  on  the  lower  part  of  the  back,  disclosed  by  the 
open  wings  ;  when  nearly  examined,  it  is  admired  for  the 
beauty  of  its  markings.  It  is  driven  from  the  northern  states 
in  winter  by  the  excessive  cold,  but  in  April  it  is  with  us 
again,  when  its  voice  resembles  a  laugh,  as  if  it  were  rejoicing 
to  be  able  to  return.  They  are  cheerful,  animated  birds,  which 
do  much  to  give  life  to  our  scenery  in  spring.  Their  flight  is 
strong  and  well  sustained  j  when  passing  from  one  tree  to  an- 
other, they  move  in  a  straight  line,  till  they  come  near  the  spot 
where  they  mean  to  alight,  when  they  raise  themselves  a  few 
feet  and  cling  to  the  bark  of  the  tree  by  their  claws  and  their 
tail,  with  a  nod  of  the  head  and  a  note,  from  which  they  are 
generally  called  the  l  Flicker.'  They  hop  on  the  ground  with 
ease,  in  search  of  food,  which  consists  of  insects  and  various 
kinds  of  fruit.  In  winter,  they  occasionally  supply  themselves 
from  the  farmer's  com.  They  are  a  good  deal  persecuted  by 
black  snakes,  which  steal  their  eggs  and  young  ;  and  also  by 
hawks,  from  which  they  escape  by  darting  into  a  hole  in  a 
tree,  if  any  one  is  at  hand,  and  if  not,  by  alighting  on  a  trunk, 
and  moving  round  it  faster  than  the  enemy  can  follow. 


334  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

These  birds  are  sometimes  shot,  but  their  practice  of  eating 
ants  and  their  larvae  gives  a  taste  to  their  flesh.  Sometimes 
they  are  persecuted  as  fruit  stealers,  but  most  unwisely,  for  all 
the  woodpeckers  are  very  efficient  aids  to  the  horticulturist. 
When  they  alight  on  a  tree,  they  listen  attentively,  and  the 
slightest  movement  of  an  insect  under  the  bark  does  not  escape 
them.  They  enlarge  the  hole  by  repeated  blows  of  their  pow- 
erful bill  ;  then  striking  in  their  long,  viscid  tongues,  with  their 
horny  tip,  they  seize  the  grub,  and  put  a  period  to  his  mining. 

They  build  in  hollow  places,  found,  or  made  for  the  pur- 
pose, in  trees  ;  and  such  is  the  strength  of  their  bill,  that  they 
have  been  known  to  make  excavations  a  foot  and  a  half  deep, 
into  the  heart  of  the  hardest  wood.  Their  blows  may  be 
heard  at  a  great  distance,  as  loud  as  those  of  a  hammer.  The 
eggs,  about  six  in  number,  and  pure  white,  are  deposited  on 
bits  of  the  wood.  Soon  after  the  young  are  hatched,  they 
leave  their  den,  and  are  fed  on  the  branches  of  the  tree  till  they 
are  able  to  fly. 

The  PILEATED  WOODPECKER,  Picus  pileatus,  is  a  large  and 
powerful  bird,  not  uncommon  in  the  woodlands  of  Massachu- 
setts, but  seldom  found  in  the  vicinity  of  large  towns.  It  does 
not  leave  us  in  winter,  like  the  preceding,  but  remains  through- 
out the  year  in  our  wild  forests  ;  and  almost  every  wood-cutter 
can  describe  the  rapid  and  angry  manner  in  which  he  strips 
the  bark  from  a  hemlock  or  spruce,  throwing-  it  in  long  flakes 
around  him.  Should  any  one  pursue  him,  he  keeps  far  out  of 
his  reach,  laughing,  as  one  would  think  from  his  loud  cackle, 
at  his  enemy's  vain  endeavors.  He  never,  under  any  circum- 
stances, relents  from  his  natural  wildness.  If  wounded,  he 
makes  fierce  resistance  to  all  attempts  to  seize  him  ;  and  if 
overpowered  and  carried  captive,  spends  all  his  time  in  trying 
to  escape  from  his  prison.  This  he  can  easily  do,  unless  the 
materials  are  very  hard  and  strong  ;  and  if  he  does  not  succeed, 
he  can  make  an  impression  in  an  hour  on  the  walls  of  his  house 
of  bondage,  which  the  carpenter  cannot  repair  in  a  day. 

This  bird  excavates  a  gallery  with  its  bill,  for  a  nest,  in 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  335 

which  it  lays  five  or  six  white  eggs.  Sometimes  it  saves  itself 
this  labor,  by  making  use  of  a  hollow  tree.  The  young  remain 
for  a  considerable  time  with  their  parents,  who  feed  them  till 
their  bills  are  grown  hard  enough  to  procure  a  subsistence  for 
themselves.  This  is  not  the  case  at  first  j  for  two  or  three 
months,  the  bill  is  so  soft  that  it  can  be  bent  with  the  fingers, 
and  it  takes  twice  that  time  to  harden  it  for  the  rough  uses  to 
Which  it  is  to  be  applied.  In  the  south,  this  bird  is  called  the 
Log-cock  ;  and  the  Black  Woodcock  in  the  middle  states. 

The  RED-HEADED  WOODPECKER,  Picus  erythrocephalus,  is  a 
very  elegant  bird,  and  perhaps  the  most  common  of  this  fami- 
liar race.  When  Wilson  first  landed  in  this  country,  long  be- 
fore he  devoted  himself  to  ornithology,  as  he  was  walking  from 
Newcastle  to  Philadelphia,  he  shot  one  of  these  birds ;  its  fine 
appearance  and  rich  colors  struck  his  imagination  so  much,  that 
it  had  an  influence  in  determining  his  mind  to  that  pursuit  for 
which  he  was  afterwards  renowned.  After  spending  the  win- 
ter in  the  south,  this  bird  returns  to  us  in  May,  after  which  it 
is  very  common  in  the  interior,  though  somewhat  rare  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  State.  It  makes  its  home  in  the  woods,  but 
spends  most  of  its  time  in  gardens,  particularly  at  the  time 
when  the  best  fruits  are  ripe.  It  helps  itself  with  the  utmost 
freedom,  caring  little  for  the  rights  or  threats  of  the  owner. 
Fruit  like  apples,  too  large  to  be  eaten  on  the  spot,  it  carries 
away,  striking  it  with  a  jerk  of  the  head,  and  flying  off  with 
the  apple  sticking  on  its  bill.  There  is  no  secrecy  or  shyness 
in  its  depredations ;  they  are  conducted  with  perfect  good 
nature,  and  with  a  confidence,  fully  expressed  in  its  manner, 
that  the  proprietor  enjoys  the  appropriation  as  much  as  they  do. 
But  there  is  another  side  to  the  account,  for  they  show  great 
skill  and  industry  in  searching  the  trees  for  grubs,  which 
would  be  infinitely  more  destructive  to  the  tree,  than  the 
woodpecker  to  the  fruit. 

They  make  their  holes  in  decaying  trees,  where  the  eggs, 
white,  with  reddish  spots  at  the  larger  end,  are  deposited  with- 
out the  ceremony  of  a  lining.  The  black  snake  is  a  great  de- 


336  BIRDS   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

stroyer  of  the  eggs  and  the  young.  They  show  considerable 
local  attachment,  and  for  years  in  succession,  they  resort  to  the 
same  tree. 

The  RED-BELLIED  WOODPECKER,  Picus  Carolinus,  is  said  to 
be  unknown  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State.  In  the  interior  it 
is  found,  and  Professor  Emmons  tells  me  that  he  has  shot  the 
bird  in  the  season  of  incubation ;  others  have  taken  them  in 
the  autumn.  They  are  found  through  the  whole  extent  of  the 
United  States ;  but  instead  of  frequenting  the  gardens,  they 
choose  the  solitude  of  the  forests,  preferring  the  hardy  inde- 
pendence of  the  woodlands,  to  the  dangers  which  threaten 
them  in  the  vicinity  of  man.  They  have  no  objection  to  the 
first  approaches  of  civilization,  and  come  freely  to  the  girdled 
trees  which  surround  the  log  hut  of  the  borderer  ;  sometimes 
they  pay  a  visit  to  his  cornfield,  when  animal  food  is  wanting, 
and  their  loud,  barking  cry,  is  one  of  the  most  familiar  sounds 
he  hears.  They  were  doubtless  common  in  Massachusetts, 
some  years  ago  ;  but  as  they  gradually  withdraw  before  the 
settlements,  they  will  disappear  as  the  forests  are  cut  down  ;  a 
consummation,  which  is  quite  as  near  at  hand,  as  the  friend  of 
civilization  could  desire. 

The  YELLOW  BELLIED  WOODPECKER,  Picus  varius,  is  found 
in  summer,  in  most  parts  of  the  State,  but  is  not  familiarly 
known,  because,  like  the  former,  it  keeps  itself  within  the 
shade  of  the  forest,  seldom  suffering  either  hunger  or  curiosity 
to  bring  it  near  human  habitations.  Its  notes,  which  are  loud 
and  plaintive,  differ  from  those  of  all  others  of  its  tribe  •  but 
the  bird  is  so  shy  and  suspicious  that  it  is  not  easy  to  discover 
whence  the  sound  proceeds.  In  its  flight  it  seldom  goes  far- 
ther than  from  one  tree  to  another,  and  is  hardly  ever  seen  up- 
on the  ground.  Its  food  consists  of  grubs  and  beetles.  In  the 
summer,  it  varies  its  fare  with  berries  and  grapes,  which  it  fre- 
quently hangs,  head  downwards,  from  the  vine,  to  gather. 
When  they  migrate,  they  proceed  by  day  in  parties  of  half  a 
dozen,  and  at  night  take  shelter  all  together  in  some  hole  in  a 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  337 

decaying  tree.  Sometimes  on  these  occasions,  they  have  sharp 
conflicts  with  the  Little  Owl,  in  which  they  generally  prevail 
by  perseverance  and  force  of  numbers. 

This  woodpecker  bores  its  hole  in  a  sound  tree,  the  male 
and  female  laboring  alternately  ;  and  such  is  the  power  of  their 
bills,  that  an  excavation  is  sometimes  made  to  the  depth  of 
two  feet,  at  the  end  of  which  is  the  nest.  The  entrance  is 
just  large  enough  to  admit  the  bird,  but  it  grows  larger,  and 
becomes  quite  spacious  at  the  farther  end.  The  eggs,  from 
four  to  six  in  number,  and  white  with  a  slight  blush,  are  laid 
on  the  fragments  of  wood.  The  young  remain  in  the  hole  till 
they  are  fully  fledged. 

The  HAIRY  WOODPECKER,  Picus  villosus,  is  a  pretty  bird, 
which  comes  so  familiarly  near  our  houses,  that  every  one  has 
seen  it,  intent  upon  its  labor,  searching  for  grubs  and  insects, 
not  only  in  trees,  but  in  posts,  rails,  and  all  kinds  of  decaying 
wood.  Its  call  is  a  shrill  whistle,  and  it  makes  a  complaining 
sound  as  it  explores  the  bark  of  the  trees.  It  is  either  very 
tame,  or  so  absorbed  in  its  employment  as  not  to  regard  the 
presence  of  an  observer.  It  builds  in  the  branch  of  a  tree ; 
sometimes  taking  one  which  is  already  hollow,  sometimes 
scooping  out  an  opening,  which  it  does  by  beating  off  frag- 
ments with  its  bill,  and  scraping  them  out  with  its  feet.  The 
eggs,  like  those  of  others  of  the  race,  are  white.  The  female 
is  known  by  its  wanting  the  red  cockade  on  the  back  of  the 
head. 

The  DOWNY  WOODPECKER,  Picus  pubescens,  a  small  and 
very  common  species,  is  almost  exactly  like  the  former  in  every 
thing  but  size.  It  is  often  called  the  sap-sucker,  from  its  prac- 
tice of  making  perforations  in  circles  on  the  bark  of  trees.  The 
popular  notion  was  that  this  is  done  in  order  to  extract  the 
juices  of  the  tree  ;  but  it  is  now  well  understood  that  the  bird 
is  in  search  of  insects,  and  that,  so  far  from  injuring  the  tree, 
its  proceeding  is  highly  beneficial.  It  is  amusing  to  observe 
43 


338  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

the  tenacious  industry  with  which  this  little  bird  keeps  on  in 
its  labor,  never  leaving  a  spot  till  it  has  been  thoroughly  ex- 
plored. There  could  not  be  a  more  signal  instance  of  the  man- 
ner in  which  ignorance  confounds  friends  and  foes,  than  the 
case  of  this  poor  bird,  which,  notwithstanding  all  its  services, 
is  thus  defamed  and  persecuted.  In  summer  it  is  found  in  the 
garden  and  the  forest ;  in  the  winter,  it  may  be  seen  from  the 
window,  on  the  wood-pile  or  some  old  fruit  tree,  which  it  re- 
lieves from  many  destroyers.  It  is  perfectly  happy  under  all 
circumstances,  and  seems  to  look  at  mankind,  not  with  disgust 
and  wonder  at  their  folly,  but  with  cheerful  confidence  that 
they  will  do  it  justice  at  last. 

The  nest  is  made  like  that  of  the  preceding  species,  either 
in  sound  or  hollow  branches.  The  eggs,  commonly  six  in 
number,  are  white.  The  extensile  part  of  the  tongue  of  this 
woodpecker,  as  well  as  of  the  two  last  described,  is  cylindrical, 
while  the  extremity  is  linear,  flat  above,  convex  below,  with  the 
tip  pointed  and  the  edges  serrated  backward  ;  so  that  a  grub, 
once  impaled  upon  it,  cannot  easily  be  withdrawn. 

The  THREE-TOED  WOODPECKER,  Picus  tridactylus,  is  found 
in  Massachusetts,  but  much  more  abundantly  in  Maine  and 
those  northern  regions  in  which  it  resides.  Dr.  Brewer  informs 
me,  that  a  woodpecker,  answering  to  the  description  of  this, 
was  shot  in  Templeton,  and  that  it  breeds  as  near  the  border 
as  Keene  in  New  Hampshire.  It  is  distinguished  by  its  yellow 
crown,  and  that  peculiar  formation  of  the  feet  from  which  it 
derives  its  name.  In  its  voice  and  habits,  it  most  resembles 
the  yellow-bellied  ;  its  breeding  habits  are  like  those  of  all  the 
rest ;  its  motions,  like  those  of  the  red-cockaded,  are  petulant 
and  restless,  passing  from  one  tree  to  another,  or  to  different 
parts  of  the  same  tree,  without  taking  time  to  examine  any 
single  spot.  In  the  middle  of  the  day,  it  is  silent,  and  goes  to 
some  solitary  place  to  rest.  It  is  sometimes  seen  chasing  in- 
sects in  the  air,  but  never  hurts  them  on  the  ground.  Its  flight 
is  swift,  gliding  and  undulatory  j  at  every  gliding,  it  gives  out 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  339 

a  loud,  shrill  note.  These  birds  are  more  common  in  the 
northern  states,  in  winter,  than  at  any  other  time ;  because 
they  are  then  driven  from  their  homes  by  the  severity  of  the 
cold. 


SLENDER    BILLED    BIRDS. 

The  WHITE-BREASTED  NUTHATCH,  Sitta  Carolinensis  is  seen 
in  autumn  and  winter,  not  because  it  migrates  to  us  at  that 
season,  but  because  the  supplies  of  food  in  the  forest  fail,  and 
it  resorts  to  fields,  gardens,  and  the  neighborhood  of  houses,  in 
search  of  insects,  such  as  ants  and  spiders.  At  a  distance,  it  is 
easily  mistaken  for  the  downy  woodpecker,  though  more  lively 
in  its  motions.  It  moves  sideways  or  head  downwards,  with 
great  rapidity,  stopping  every  now  and  then  to  cast  an  in- 
quiring look  at  the  observer.  Its  bill  is  strong  and  sharp,  and 
when  it  would  open  an  acorn  or,  chestnut,  it  holds  it  in  a  cre- 
vice, and  splits  it  with  strokes  of  its  bill.  Its  tongue  is  capa- 
ble of  extension  like  the  woodpeckers,  so  that  it  has  great 
advantages  for  procuring  a  subsistence  ;  but,  if  it  were  less 
favored,  it  might  contrive  to  live,  since  it  is  sometimes  seen 
hopping  among  the  poultry  on  the  ground. 

These  birds  chisel  out  a  perforation  in  a  decaying  tree,  in 
which  to  deposit  the  eggs.  These  are  five,  dusky  white, 
spotted  with  brown  at  the  larger  end.  The  young  are  fed  and 
taught  to  fly  with  affectionate  care.  They  are  fond  of  roosting 
in  their  own  nest,  and  are  believed  to  return  to  it  year  after 
year.  They  are  easily  known  by  their  cry,  quank,  two  or  three 
times  repeated,  as  they  run  over  a  tree. 

The  RED-BELLIED  NUTHATCH,  Sitta  Canadensis,  is  more 
common  among  us  than  the  other.  It  is  not  found  farther 
south  than  Maryland,  and  becomes  more  common  as  we  pro- 
ceed toward  Maine,  where  many  of  them  are  hardy  enough 


340  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

to  encounter  the  severest  winters.  It  is  a  very  active  and  in- 
dustrious bird,  always  running  over  the  branches  of  trees, 
searching  with  sharp  eyes,  sometimes  rapping  with  its  bill,  and 
occasionally  striking  off  a  bit  of  moss  or  bark,  to  dislodge  the 
grub  below  ;  the  only  time  it  has  for  resting  is  at  night,  when, 
like  others  of  the  tribe,  it  holds  by  its  feet  to  the  bark  and 
sleeps,  head  downwards.  It  seems  almost  indifferent  to  the 
presence  of  man,  unless  he  comes  near  it  with  obviously  bad 
intentions.  When  it  spends  the  winter  here,  it  often  comes 
near  our  dwellings  in  search  of  food.  Its  flight,  when  seen 
here,  seldom  extends  farther  than  from  one  tree  to  another ;  but 
it  must  have  great  power  to  sustain  itself  on  the  wing,  since 
on  one  of  his  homeward  voyages,  Audubon  saw  one  come  on 
board  his  vessel  at  the  distance  of  three  hundred  miles  from 
the  shore  ;  it  alighted  on  the  rigging,  and  began  to  search  for 
food,  but  it  had  fasted  too  long,  and  in  the  course  of  the  night 
it  died. 

This  species  is  partial  to  pine  forests,  where  it  feeds  on  the 
seeds  of  the  trees.  Its  nest  is  made  in  dead  stumps,  not  high 
above  the  ground.  We  have  at  present  no  account  of  its 
breeding  within  the  limits  of  our  State. 

The  BLACK  AND  WHITE  CREEPER,  Certhia  varia,  comes  from 
the  south  in  April,  and  is  seen  running  nimbly  round  the 
trunks  and  large  branches  of  trees,  in  search  of  insects,  particu- 
larly ants  and  their  larvse,  which  are  its  favorite  food.  It  is 
an  unsuspicious  bird,  always  too  much  taken  up  with  its  own 
affairs  to  pay  much  regard  to  an  observer.  It  moves  by  short 
successive  hops,  with  great  rapidity,  and  in  all  directions  with 
equal  facility,  with  the  head  either  up  or  down.  It  has  but  a 
very  short  flight,  from  one  tree  to  another.  Its  notes  are  a 
series  of  tweats,  rapidly  pronounced,  the  last  greatly  prolonged. 

Audubon  says  that  at  the  south  they  breed  in  holes  in  trees, 
but  Nuttall  found  a  nest  in  Roxbury,  on  the  ground,  protected 
by  a  shelving  rock,  and  composed  of  coarse  strips  of  the  inner 
bark  of  the  hemlock,  which  overshaded  the  spot.  The  lining 
was  a  thin  layer  of  hair.  It  contained  four  young  birds,  about 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  341 

a  week  old,  which  the  parents  fed  in  his  presence  without  fear. 
The  eggs  are  white,  marked  with  brownish  red  spots  at  the 
larger  end. 

The  BROWN  CREEPER,  Certhia  familiaris,  makes  its  appear- 
ance at  the  approach  of  winter,  not  coming  from  other  regions, 
but  only  from  the  forest,  where  it  passes  the  milder  season. 
Its  bill  is  not  powerful,  but  it  has  the  advantage  of  a  rigid  tail, 
on  which  it  rests  while  examining  the  bark  of  trees.  Insects 
are  its  chief  dependence,  though  it  sometimes  eats  the  seeds  of 
the  pine.  With  us  it  is  not  a  common  bird,  nor  is  it  known  to 
breed  in  our  State. 

The  HUMMING  BIRD,  Trochilus  colubris,  is  a  beautiful  little 
visiter,  that  generally  makes  its  appearance  with  the  earliest 
blossoms ;  and  almost  always  in  considerable  numbers,  though 
sometimes  cold  and  wet  seasons  destroy  many  of  the  young. 
Of  man  it  is  very  fearless,  being  often  seen  on  flowering  vines 
that  climb  over  windows,  and  sometimes  taking  courage  to  en- 
ter apartments  in  which  flowers  are  to  be  found.  Its  bill  is 
long,  and  the  tongue  capable  of  extension.  The  bill  is  insert- 
ed into  the  urns  of  flowers,  and  then,  darting  out  its  glutinous 
tongue,  it  draws  forth  the  insect  from  its  fragrant  home.  After 
feeding,  the  bird  settles  on  a  bough  and  dresses  its  feathers, 
without  caring  who  observes  its  motions.  It  is  a  mistake  to 
suppose  that  the  honey  of  flowers  is  its  principal  support  j  it  is 
rather  its  luxury  than  its  means  of  subsistence  ;  without  a  sup- 
ply of  insects,  it  will  perish,  as  those  have  found  who  have  en- 
deavored to  keep  it  on  honey  and  sugar.  This  delicate  little 
bird  is  easily  reconciled  to  confinement,  but  it  is  so  very  sensi- 
tive to  cold,  that  a  northern  winter  will  destroy  it,  however 
carefully  it  is  guarded. 

The  nest  of  the  humming  bird  is  very  ingeniously  construct- 
ed. It  is  generally  placed  on  the  large  horizontal  branch  of  an 
apple  tree,  and  covered  with  moss  so  as  to  resemble  the  place 
where  a  limb  has  been  taken  off  and  a  circle  of  bark  has  risen 
round  the  spot.  As  the  female  is  green,  birds  of  prey  might 


342  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

easily  pass  over  it,  without  discovering  the  nest  below.  Their 
nests  are  sometimes  built  in  small  trees  and  shrubs.  I  have 
seen  one  on  the  drooping  limb  of  a  peach  tree,  not  more  than 
three  feet  from  the  ground,  and  this  was  carefully  covered  with 
moss,  though  there  was  none  upon  the  tree.  If  any  one  goes 
up  to  the  nest,  the  parent  flies  up  to  him  as  an  intimation  that 
he  is  doing  wrong,  then  alights  almost  within  the  reach  of  his 
arm,  and  watches  his  motions  with  composed  attention.  The 
parents  feed  their  young  with  affectionate  care,  till  they  are 
able  to  fly,  and  for  about  a  week  after.  The  young  do  not 
come  to  their  full  plumage  till  the  following  spring. 


HALCYONS. 

The  BELTED  KINGFISHER,  Alcedo  alcyon,  is  found  in  the 
neighborhood  of  fresh  waters  over  all  the  United  States.  He 
may  generally  be  seen  sitting  on  some  post  or  dead  branch,  near 
a  solitary  mill-dam,  quietly  watching  his  prey  in  the  element 
below.  If  fish  do  not  come  near  him,  he  sweeps  along  the 
course  of  the  stream  with  rapid  flight,  and  occasionally  hovers 
over  the  water,  as  if  watching  something  beneath.  Having 
made  sure  of  his  aim,  he  darts  down  and  seldom  rises  without 
his  prey.  If  scared  from  his  retreat,  he  flies  off  with  a  grating 
sound  of  displeasure,  resembling  the  noise  of  a  watchman's  rat- 
tle. When  the  northern  Drivers  are  frozen,  the  kingfisher  re- 
sorts to  the  sea,  where  it  may  occasionally  be  seen  fishing  as 
in  fresh  water.  The  nest  of  this  bird,  it  is  well  known,  is 
made  in  an  excavation,  scooped  in  the  side  of  a  bank  overhang- 
ing a  stream  or  mill  pond.  It  extends  to  several  feet  in  length, 
with  a  larger  chamber  at  the  end.  The  eggs,  about  six  in 
number,  white,  are  deposited  on  some  twigs,  grass  and  feathers. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  343 

SWALLOW    TRIBE. 

The  PURPLE  MARTIN,  Hirundo  purpurea,  is  more  intimate 
with  man  than  any  other  native  bird.  So  great  a  favorite  is 
he,  that  lodgings  are  provided  for  him,  by  the  northern  farmer, 
by  the  southern  slave,  and  even  by  the  Indian,  who  puts  up  a 
•calabash  for  him  at  his  cabin  door  ;  not  wholly  from  benevo- 
lence, but  because  the  martin  pays  rent,  by  keeping  insects 
from  the  deer  skins  and  venison,  exposed  in  the  air  to  dry. 

The  martin  spends  the  winter  in  the  south,  and  reappears  in 
Louisiana  in  February,  moving  on  deliberately  in  immense 
flocks,  which  divide  into  smaller  parties  as  they  proceed. 
They  have  a  rapid  flight,  though  not  equal  in  that  respect  to 
the  Barn  Swallow.  They  can  drink  and  bathe  on  the  wing, 
without  stopping  for  the  purpose,  by  plunging  hastily  in  the 
stream  and  then  shaking  themselves  to  throw  off  the  water. 
They  alight  on  the  ground,  and  can  walk  with  ease,  notwith- 
standing the  shortness  of  their  legs,  which  is  unfavorable  to 
that  kind  of  progression  ;  but  flying  is  their  favorite  motion  ; 
and  in  the  air,  they  can  make  themselves  formidable  by  the 
rapidity  of  their  movements,  to  an  enemy  far  superior  in  size. 
Even  the  eagle,  if  he  comes  in  sight  of  the  martin's  box,  is 
compelled  to  retire  in  disgrace. 

The  nest  of  the  martin  is  made,  toward  the  last  of  April,  of 
sticks,  willow  twigs,  grasses,  leaves,  rags  and  feathers.  The 
eggs  are  white,  from  four  to  six  in  number.  The  male  takes 
part  in  the  work  of  incubation,  and  is  very  attentive  to  his 
mate.  If  no  habitation  is  provided  for  them,  they  will  dislodge 
bluebirds  from  their  box,  and  after  depriving  them  of  their 
home,  will  add  insult  to  injury,  abusing  them  on  every  occa- 
sion. If  no  other  lodgings  can  be  found,  they  will  resort  to  a 
woodpecker's  hole.  But  they  are  not  often  driven  to  such  ex- 
tremities ;  the  industrious  class  of  the  community  give  them 
shelter  for  the  sake  of  their  morning  call,  which  is  the  earliest 
that  salutes  the  day.  Their  notes  are  generally  pleasing, 
though  not  in  the  least  musical ;  and  the  martin,  aware  of  the 


344  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

estimation  in  which  he  is  held,  flies  carelessly  through  the 
street,  poises  himself  in  the  air  to  look  into  windows,  hangs  by 
the  eaves  of  houses,  plays  with  the  kite  string  of  the  children, 
or  chases  away  the  cat  who  seems  to  be  prowling  in  search  of 
his  young.  As  his  food  consists  entirely  of  insects,  his  servi- 
ces are  very  useful.  There  is  a  tradition,  that  they  first  came 
into  New  England  shortly  before  the  revolutionary  war,  but 
whether  their  history  resembles  that  of  the  cliff  swallow,  in 
this  respect,  or  not,  I  am  not  able  to  determine. 

The  BARN  SWALLOW,  Hirundo  Americana,  like  the  preced- 
ing, is  generally  welcomed  by  the  farmer,  who  knows  that 
these  birds  are  of  incalculable  service  in  protecting  his  cattle 
from  the  insects  that  torment  them  almost  to  madness,  and 
therefore  is  wise  enough  to  allow  them  a  shelter  among  the 
rafters  of  his  barn.  In  April  they  return  from  the  south,  and 
soon  begin  to  build  against  the  timbers,  with  pellets  of  mud 
from  the  borders  of  some  neighboring  stream,  inlaid  with  slen- 
der grasses,  which  serve  to  bind  it  together.  The  eggs  are 
white,  spotted  with  reddish  brown.  When  the  young  are 
fledged,  the  parents  use  persuasion  to  induce  them  to  come  out 
from  the  nest,  and  try  their  first  flight  in  the  barn.  When 
they  have  gained  a  little  confidence,  they  go  forth  to  some 
wall,  fence  or  tree,  where  the  parents  can  feed  them  without 
trouble.  They  soon  become  so  expert  in  receiving  food,  that 
the  parent  can  feed  the  young  one,  while  both  are  on  the  wing, 
In  fact,  they  seem  in  their  element  only  when  flying,  their 
movements  being  easy  and  graceful,  apparently  without  effort, 
and  so  rapid  that  no  bird  can  equal  them  in  fleetness.  Before 
the  close  of  summer,  the  barn  swallows  are  seen  in  flocks,  con- 
stantly increasing  in  number,  and  alighting  on  churches,  barns 
or  high  trees,  chattering  gaily  to  each  other,  as  if  some  inter- 
esting plan  was  in  view.  They  are  talking  over  the  subject 
of  their  migration ;  and  on  some  fair  morning  they  set  forth, 
following  the  course  of  streams  or  the  sea  beach,  and  thus  with 
very  little  delay,  proceed  beyond  the  limits  of  the  Union.  The 
idea  that  these  birds  avoided  the  severity  of  winter  by  plunging 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  345 

into  the  mud,  is  now  generally  abandoned.  No  doubt  many 
are  found  occasionally,  on  draining  mill-ponds,  and  under  cir- 
cumstances which  it  is  not  easy  to  explain ;  but  no  one  pre- 
tends that  one  swallow  has  been  reanimated  after  its  submer- 
sion, nor  is  there  anything  in  the  structure  of  the  bird  which 
authorizes  us  to  suppose  that  it  can  live  beneath  the  water. 
Least  of  all  should  we  expect  any  such  proceeding  from  a  bird 
which  can  fly  more  than  a  mile  a  minute,  and  in  a  day  or  two 
can  reach  those  regions  where  the  flowers  do  not  wither  nor 
the  leaves  fall.  When  they  return  in  the  spring,  the  bank 
swallows,  which  pass  the  winter  in  Florida,  come  first  j  the 
white-bellied  follows  ;  next  the  purple  martin  ;  then  the  barn 
swallows  ;  and  last,  the  chimney  swallows.  The  probability 
is,  that  those  which  are  latest  in  returning,  come  from  the 
most  distant  winter  quarters,  and  that  the  extent  of  their  mi- 
gration may  be  determined  by  the  date  of  their  usual  reappear- 
ance in  the  spring. 

The  CLIFF  SWALLOW,  Hirundo  fulva.  was  hardly  known  to 
naturalists  till  within  a  quarter  of  a  century.     The  first  account 
of  its  habits  was  derived  from  Long's  expedition  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains.     Since  that  time  the  whole  body  have  commenced 
a  great  system  of  emigration,  moving  gradually  on  towards  the 
Atlantic,  till  now  it  is  become  quite  common  in  many  parts  of 
New  England.     A  peculiar  sagacity  is  manifested  by  thi's  and 
the  chimney  swallow.     Its  wild  practice  was  to  bui'd  against 
the  sides  of  cliffs;  but  when  it  comes  into  civil^ed  life,  it 
builds  under  eaves  and  cornices,  where  its  nr*t  is  partially 
sheltered  from  the  rain.     The  first  emigrates  who  came  in- 
formed the  rest  of  their  discovery,  and  induced  the  whole  tribe 
to  make  a  radical  change  in  some  of  the  most  important  habits 
of  their  lives.     The  nest  is  a  large  ^atch  of  claY  mixed  with 
sand,  having  an  entrance  near  the  ^op,  rounded,  projecting,  and 
bent   downward  ;     the   whole  resembling   a   coarse     earthen 
retort,  with  the  neck  broken  oif,  stuck  and  flattened  against  the 
side  of  the  building.     The  nest  has  a  lining  of  dry  grass  and 
straw,  on  which  are  generally  four  eggs,  white,  with   dusky 
44 


346  BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

spots.  These  birds  defend  their  nest,  when  attacked,  with  great 
spirit  and  resolution.  They  are  not  common  as  yet  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  State,  but  in  the  west  they  begin  to  abound. 

The  WHITE-BELLIED  SWALLOW,  Hirundo  bicolor,  is  not  so 
common  in  the  western  part  of  this  State  as  either  of  the  two 
preceding.  It  differs  from  them  in  never  using  mud  in  the 
construction  of  its  nest,  which  is  made  of  dry  grass  and  lined 
with  feathers.  The  eggs  are  four  or  five  in  number,  of  a  pure 
white.  Other  swallows  are  harmonious  and  friendly  to  each 
other ;  but  these  are  angry  and  quarrelsome.  In  taking  their 
food,  they  make  a  snapping  noise  with  the  bill.  This  bird  re- 
turns in  spring  earlier  than  any  of  its  tribe,  except  the  sand 
martin  ;  and  though  not  particularly  friendly  to  its  own  kindred, 
it  is  on  good  terms  with  man,  and  well  disposed  to  accept  the 
lodgings  which  he  provides. 

The  BANK  SWALLOW,  Hirundo  riparia,  is  found  wherever 
there  is  a  sandy  bank  on  the  side  of  a  pit  or  river.  There  it 
bores  a  hole  with  its  bill,  below  the  upper  edge  of  the  bank ; 
having  opened  it  so  far  as  to  insert  its  body,  it  scrapes  the  sand 
with  the  feet,  inclining  the  excavation  upward,  in  order  that 
the  waste  earth  may  fall  out  readily  below.  The  depth  varies, 
in  different  situations,  from  two  feet  to  five  ;  the  end  is  enlarged 
in  the  form  of  an  oven,  to  receive  the  nest.  These  birds  are 
so  gentle,  industrious,  and  friendly  to  each  other,  that  it  is  quite 
interesting  to  see  them  engaged  in  their  labor.  They  often, 
unfortunately,  a.re  compelled  to  work  in  vain.  Idle  boys  de- 
stroy their  tenement,  or  some  improvement  destroys  the  bank  ; 
but  they  are  so  hopeful  and  persevering,  that  they  will  continue 
boring  the  earth,  even  vhen  the  shovel,  day  after  day,  destroys 
the  results  of  their  exertion. 

The  nest  is  formed  with  \>Us  of  dry  grass  and  feathers.  The 
eggs  of  the  first  brood  are  from  five  to  seven,  of  a  pure  white. 
The  young,  as  soon  as  they  are  a.ble,  crawl  to  the  entrance, 
where  they  become  a  prey  to  crows  and  hawks,  which  lie  in 
wait  to  catch  them,  both  at  that  time,  and  after  they  have  left 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  347 

the  nest  to  perch  in  trees.  In  winter,  these  birds  resort  to  East 
Florida,  where  they  are  seen  by  thousands.  Audubon  has  dis- ' 
covered  that  there  is  another  species,  nearly  resembling  this, 
and  often  confounded  with  it.  He  has  given  it  the  name  of 
rough-winged  swallow,  H.  serripennis.  The  bill  is  longer, 
with  the  point  of  the  upper  mandible  more  decurved.  The 
tail  is  shorter  and  but  slightly  emarginate.  There  are  no 
feathers  on  the  hinder  part  of  the  tarsus,  as  in  the  common  spe- 
cies, and  the  wings  extend  half  an  inch  beyond  the  tail. 

The  CHIMNEY  SWALLOW,  Cypselus  pelasgius.  is  a  singular 
bird,  which  formerly,  when  the  country  was  unsettled,  made 
its  nest  and  place  of  resort  in  hollow  trees  ;  but  having  discov- 
ered that  chimneys  have  an  advantage  over  those  wild  tene- 
ments, and  that  a  great  proportion  of  them  are  not  in  use  in  the 
summer,  it  has  now  become  familiar  with  man,  and  abounds  in 
almost  all  the  towns  and  villages  of  the  country.  As  soon  as 
they  arrive  in  May,  they  select  a  chimney  for  their  encamp- 
ment, where  both  sexes  roost  together  at  night ;  and  if  not  dis- 
turbed in  their  rendezvous,  they  return  to  it  several  years  in 
succession.  Here  they  may  be  seen  in  the  evening,  flying 
round  in  broad  circles,  till  it  grows  dark  ;  at  length,  as  one 
passes  over  it,  he  drops  into  it  as  if  dead.  One  after  another,  at 
intervals,  follows  his  example,  whirring  with  their  wings  as 
they  descend,  and  making  a  sound  like  distant  thunder.  They 
spend  the  night  on  the  sides  of  the  flue,  clinging  with  their 
claws  and  resting  on  their  tails,  all  in  profound  repose.  At  the 
first  glimpse  of  daybreak,  all  are  in  motion,  and  they  pour  out 
in  a  rushing  volume,  as  if  the  chimney  were  bursting  out  with 
flames ;  for  a  moment  it  trembles  to  its  foundation  ;  but  the 
swallows  disperse  to  their  several  cares,  and  it  is  left  deserted 
for  the  day. 

Each  pair  select  a  chimney  in  the  neighborhood,  taking  one 
which  appears  to  be  disused  for  the  season.  Their  first  process 
is  to  collect  twigs,  which  they  break  off  in  an  ingenious  man- 
ner, grasping  them  with  their  claws  and  pushing  the  body  sud- 
denly against  them,  by  which  the  stick  is  separated  from  the 


348  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

branch  with  the  end  in  the  swallow's  grasp.  These  they  glue 
to  the  side  of  the  flue  with  their  saliva,  to  form  the  frame 
work  of  their  nest,  which  is  placed  four  or  five  feet  from  the 
top.  In  this  rude  hasket-work  their  eggs  are  laid  without  the 
semblance  of  a  lining.  They  are  white,  and  from  four  to  six 
in  number.  In  wet  weather  these  nests  are  often  dislodged, 
and  come  down  with  the  young  in  them  :  sometimes  the  young 
fall  out  of  the  nest.  In  either  case,  they  scramble  up  the 
chimney  and  support  themselves  with  their  claws  and  their 
tail,  till  they  are  able  to  fly,  in  a  place  near  the  mouth  of  the 
flue,  where  the  parent  can  conveniently  feed  them.  Before 
the  end  of  the  summer  they  all  disappear,  leaving  us  earlier 
than  other  swallows,  because  they  have  a  greater  distance 
to  go. 

The  WHIPPOORWILL,  capjimulgus  vociferus,  is  not  often 
seen,  because  compelled  by  its  delicate  sense  of  vision,  to  re- 
treat into  the  forests,  to  escape  the  blaze  of  day  ;  but  every  one 
knows  its  wild  and  melancholy  song,  which,  when  it  first  ar- 
rives, is  heard  from  the  distant  woods,  but  comes  nearer  as  the 
season  advances,  and  at  last  is  heard  very  near  the  dwellings 
of  men.  The  song  of  birds  is  always  expressive  of  happiness  ; 
but  the  complaining  notes  of  the  whippoorwill  seem  to  indicate 
suffeiing.  and  create  a  sympathy  in  the  hearer,  which  the  case 
of  the  bird  does  not  call  for  ;  since  all  this  while,  it  is  collect- 
ing moths,  beetles,  ants  and  grasshoppers  j  and  instead  of  fore- 
boding change  and  disaster,  it  is  employed  advantageously  for 
us,  and  no  doubt  to  its  own  satisfaction,  in  destroying  insects 
that  trouble  the  repose  of  the  cattle.  The  barn-yard  affords  it 
a  foraging  ground,  which  it  often  visits  j  sometimes  it  takes  its 
station  on  the  step  of  the  house  door,  not  chasing  its  prey  on 
the  wing,  like  the  night  hawk,  but  waiting  till  insects  pass  by  j 
when  they  appear,  it  rises  to  snatch  them,  arid  then  resumes  its 
position,  and  proceeds  with  its  song. 

The  nest  of  the  whippoorwill,  if  it  can  be  said  to  have  any, 
is  a  mere  hollow  place  in  the  ground,  in  some  retired  part  of 
the  woods.  The  eggs,  bluish  white,  with  blotches  of  dark 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  349 

olive,  are  laid  directly  on  the  ground.  The  young  are  soon 
able  to  run  about,  and  until  they  can  fly,  are  sufficiently  pro- 
tected by  their  resemblance  to  the  ground.  This  bird  is  very 
susceptible  of  cold ;  during  the  severe  season  of  1832,  many  of 
them  were  found  dead  in  New  England  in  the  month  of  June. 
It  would  be  no  subject  of  regret  if  they  were  more  common  in 
Massachusetts,  for  their  note  is  pleasant,  heard  in  the  silence 
of  evening,  and  their  services  in  destroying  insects  are  not 
balanced  by  any  injuries  whatever. 

The  NIGHT  HAWK,  Caprirnulgus  Virginianus,  notwithstand- 
ing its  popular  name,  is  much  less  properly  called  a  bird  of 
night  than  the  former.  It  flies  in  the  day,  even  when  the  sun 
is  shining,  and  retires  to  rest  before  it  is  late  in  the  evening, 
about  at  the  time  when  the  whippoorwill  begins  his  song.  Its 
wings  are  very  large  in  proportion  to  its  weight,  and  its  flight 
is  firm  and  graceful ;  it  sweeps  in  circles,  sometimes  rising 
high  in  the  air,  then  shooting  suddenly  downward,  with  a 
sharp  squeak,  which  seems  to  say  that  it  has  caught  sight  of 
its  victim.  In  the  evening,  it  flies  lower  than  by  day,  often 
striking  off  wildly  from  its  line  of  flight,  doubtless  to  pursue 
some  insect  which  its  sharp  eye  has  discovered.  It  can  hardly 
walk  on  the  ground,  nor  even  stand  erect  without  resting  on 
its  breast.  When  it  grows  dark,  it  alights  on  the  earth,  or  on 
fences,  where  it  passes  the  night,  giving  a  squeak  now  and 
then,  as  if  it  were  still  following  its  prey  in  dreams. 

In  May,  the  female  deposits  her  muddy  colored  and  freckled 
eggs  on  the  naked  ground,  without  any  sort  of  preparation. 
The  young,  like  those  of  the  preceding  species,  are  sufficiently 
guarded,  by  the  resemblance  of  the  down,  which  covers  them, 
to  the  ground,  in  which  they  nestle.  The  food  of  the  night 
hawk  consists  of  insects,  which  it  secures  and  swallows  while 
flying.  It  is  strange  that  Wilson  was  obliged  to  take  so  much 
pains  to  show  that  this  and  the  whippoorwill  are  different  birds, 
when,  beside  that  one  flies  by  day  arid  the  other  by  night,  the 
whippoorwiil  is  so  formed,  that  he  can  walk  firmly  and  fast, 
while  the  night  hawk  can  hardly  support  itself  on  the  ground, 


350  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

and,  when  it  perches,  is  obliged  to  stand  on  the  branch  length- 
wise, in  order  to  lean  upon  its  breast.  Beside  this,  the  closed 
wings  of  the  former  do  not  extend  so  far  as  the  tail  by  two 
inches,  while  those  of  the  night  hawk  are  longer  than  the  tail. 
In  the  night  hawk  the  tail  is  forked,  while  that  of  the  whip- 
poorwill  is  rounded.  It  shows  that  Wilson  labored  in  a  field 
which  had  been  very  little  explored,  and  it  is  wonderful  that 
he  did  not  leave  more  errors  to  be  corrected,  and  deficiencies  to 
be  supplied,  by  later  observers. 


PIGEON    TRIBE. 

The  CAROLINA  TURTLE  DOVE,  Columba  Carolinensis,  is 
common  enough  at  the  western  part  of  Massachusetts,  where  it 
is  called  the  Mourning  Dove,  from  the  plaintiveness  of  its  call, 
which  is  often  heard  in  the  woods.  The  sound  seems  expres- 
sive of  deep  affliction,  but  the  bird  that  makes  it  is  very  happy, 
and  quite  unconscious  of  the  interest  which  he  inspires.  When 
these  doves  come  to  the  north  in  the  spring,  they  disperse  in 
small  parties,  and  it  is  not  often  that  more  than  two  are  seen 
together.  They  are  generally  met  with  in  roads  through  the 
forest,  to  which  they  resort  in  order  to  dust  themselves  and 
swallow  gravel.  They  are  by  no  means  shy,  though  unobtru- 
sive in  their  manners ;  they  are  sometimes  seen  among  the 
domestic  poultry,  as  they  go  to  be  fed  at  the  farmer's  door. 
Occasionally  they  join  the  flocks  of  passenger  pigeons,  and  are 
taken  in  snares,  together  with  their  relations.  Their  food  con- 
sists of  grain  and  small  acorns,  together  with  poke,  partridge, 
and  dogwood  berries,  in  their  season.  They  are  said  to  be 
easily  tamed,  and  to  raise  their  young  in  confinement ;  if  so, 
they  would  reward  attempts  at  domestication,  since  the  flesh  is 
pronounced  equal  to  that  of  the  woodcock,  by  those  who  pro- 
fess to  be  judges  of  such  matters. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  351 

The  PASSENGER  PIGEON,  Columba  migratoria,  is  a  hardy 
wayfarer,  which  cares  very  little  for  climate,  and  is  governed 
in  its  migrations,  not  by  the  desire  to  escape  a  cold  climate,  or 
to  build  its  nest  in  a  mild  one,  but  simply  by  the  necessity  of 
going  where  food  abounds,  because  no  small  supply  will  satisfy 
the  appetite  of  such  immense  numbers.  Having  powers  of 
vision  equal  to  their  power  of  flight,  they  can  easily  take  a  sur- 
vey of  the  country  over  which  they  are  passing  ;  if  they  de- 
termine to  descend,  they  break  the  force  of  their  motion  by 
repeated  flappings  of  their  wings,  to  keep  themselves  from  be- 
ing injured  by  dashing  upon  the  ground.  So  swiftly  do  they 
move  over  an  immense  extent  of  country,  that  they  have  been 
killed  near  New  York,  with  their  crops  full  of  rice  from  South 
Carolina  plantations.  In  the  Atlantic  states,  their  numbers  are 
nothing  compared  to  the  countless  multitudes  which  assemble 
in  the  west,  where,  as  they  pass  over,  the  rush  and  roar  seem 
like  those  of  a  tornado,  darkening  all  the  sky.  But  their  num- 
bers, though  reduced  from  those  of  former  times,  are  still  con- 
siderable, and  as  soon  as  it  is  known  in  a  neighborhood,  that 
the  pigeons  are  flying  over,  it  is  the  signal  for  assembling  all 
the  arts  and  instruments  of  destruction.  Many  are  shot  with 
the  gun ;  many  are  taken  with  nets ;  and  others  are  decoyed 
by  pigeons  with  their  eyes  blinded,  which  are  stationed  on  a 
roost,  provided  for  the  purpose  j  the  roost  being  shaken  with 
a  string,  these  pigeons  open  their  wings  to  balance  themselves  j 
and  the  wayfarers,  supposing  that  they  have  just  alighted,  after 
examining  the  region,  think  it  safe  to  come  down  and  join 
them  without  farther  investigation. 

The  accounts  of  the  breeding  places  of  the  pigeons  at  the 
west  are  almost  incredible.  Some  of  them  extend  several 
miles,  covering  thousands  of  acres ;  the  grass  and  underwood 
is  all  destroyed  ;  the  ground  overspread  with  limbs,  broken 
down  with  the  weight  of  the  birds  clustering  upon  them,  and 
the  trees  killed  as  completely  as  if  girdled  with  the  axe.  When 
the  young  are  fully  grown,  but  have  not  yet  left  the  nest,  a 
general  invasion  is  made  upon  the  spot.  Hawks  and  eagles 
snatch  them  from  above ;  hogs  devour  the  thousands  that  fall 


352  BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

to  the  ground ;  the  axe-men  cut  down  the  trees  most  loaded 
with  nests,  and  the  crash  of  falling  timher  mingles  with  the 
thundering  roar  of  the  wings  of  ten  thousand  pigeons.  One 
large  tree,  as  it  descends,  often  brings  down  several  others,  and 
two  hundred  squabs  have  been  gathered  by  means  of  a  single 
fall.  The  multitudes  of  birds  are  continually  breaking  down 
large  branches  with  their  weight,  so  that  it  is  dangerous  to 
walk  below. 

There  is  some  disagreement  in  the  accounts  given  of  their 
breeding.  Wilson  maintained  that  there  was  but  a  single  young 
one  in  a  nest ;  while  Audubon  asserts  that  there  are  two.  The 
prodigious  numbers  of  the  birds  would  seem  to  confirm  the 
statement  of  the  latter.  The  young  come  to  maturity  in  six 
months.  Every  year  they,  at  least,  double  their  numbers. 

One  office  of  the  pigeon  seems  to  be  to  protect  the  oak  for- 
ests. It  is  stated,  on  excellent  authority,  that  for  some  years 
after  they  have  occupied  a  particular  spot  as  their  breeding 
place,  the  oaks,  for  many  miles  around,  are  remarkably  free 
from  the  green  caterpillars,  by  which  they  are  apt  to  be  in- 
fested. 


GALLINACEOUS    BIRDS. 

The  WILD  TURKEY,  Meleagris  gallopavo,  was  formerly  com- 
mon in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  but  has  gradually  disap- 
peared before  the  encroachments  of  civilization,  and  is  rare, 
except  in  the  unsettled  regions  of  the  west.  It  is  still  found 
occasionally  in  our  western  mountains,  and  also  on  the  Holyoke 
range,  where  some  are  taken  almost  every  year.  Its  migra- 
tions, like  those  of  the  pigeon,  are  irregular,  having  nothing  to 
do  with  seasons,  and  are  governed  wholly  by  the  supply  of 
food.  This  fine  bird  is  so  uncommon  in  Massachusetts  that  it 
does  not  seem  necessary  to  describe  it  at  large  ;  in  a  few  years 
it  will  doubtless  leave  us  forever. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  353 

The  AMERICAN  QJJAIL,  or  PARTRIDGE.  Perdix  Virginiana,  is 
quite  common  in  Massachusetts,  where  it  bears  the  former 
name  ;  in  the  southern  and  western  states,  it  is  always  known 
by  the  name  of  Partridge.  It  remains  with  us  throughout  the 
year,  and  sometimes  suffers  so  much  from  the  deep  snows,  that 
it  may  be  seen  in  the  sheds  and  near  the  houses  of  our  largest 
villages,  in  search  of  shelter  and  food.  A  party  will  sometimes 
resist  the  cold  by  collecting  in  a  circle,  pressing  close,  with  their 
heads  outward,  borrowing  warmth  from  each  other ;  but  in 
our  fiercest  winter  storms  they  sometimes  perish  under  the 
drifted  snow. 

The  quail  is  a  gentle  bird,  and  fond  of  associating  with  its 
own  race,  though  not  in  large  numbers.  It  generally  resorts  to 
open  fields  in  search  of  food,  such  as  grain,  buck  wheat  and 
Indian  corn.  It  sometimes  joins  the  parties  of  domestic  fowls 
and  scratches  the  ground  after  their  example.  Though  it  is 
fond  of  grain,  it  requires  something  more  for  its  support :  and 
the  demand  of  the  young  quails  for  insects  makes  the  chief 
difficulty  in  the  way  of  its  domestication.  The  female  pre- 
pares a  nest  of  various  grasses,  arranged  in  an  oven-like  form, 
under  the  protection  of  a  tuft,  and  partly  sunk  in  the  ground. 
The  eggs  are  from  ten  to  eighteen,  of  a  pure  white.  The  male 
takes  part  in  sitting,  and  as  soon  as  the  young  are  hatched,  they 
are  able  to  leave  the  nest.  Wilson  believed  that  the  quail 
might  be  domesticated.  Its  eggs  have  sometimes  been  hatched 
by  the  common  hen,  and  the  chickens  are  sufficiently  tame  ; 
but  though  kept  through  the  season  and  the  succeeding  winter, 
they  go  away  in  the  spring.  Two  that  were  brought  up  by  a 
hen,  as  soon  as  they  were  turned  off,  associated  with  the  cows, 
going  with  them  to  the  pasture  in  the  morning,  returning  at 
night,  and  standing  by  them  when  they  were  milked,  waiting 
to  share  their  lodgings  in  the  barn.  These,  however,  contented 
as  they  appeared,  deserted,  like  all  the  rest,  in  the  spring. 
This  wildness  might  after  a  time  be  overcome  j  but  there 
would  be  more  difficulty  in  supplying  all  the  food  they  require, 
and  after  all  it  would  be  doubtful  whether  success  would  repay 
the  care  and  attention  which  it  would  demand. 
45 


354  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  note  of  the  quail  is  well  known,  being  generally  inter- 
preted into  the  prediction,  more  wet,  more  wet ;  the  sounds  are 
continued  for  a  long  time.  This  note  of  the  male  is  most  fre- 
quent and  loud  in  the  month  of  September.  Sometimes 
there  is  an  introductory  whistle  preceding  the  clear  and  em- 
phatic more  wet,  or  bob  white.  This  call  may  be  easily  imi- 
tated so  as  to  deceive  the  bird.  When  a  covey  are  about  to 
take  wing,  they  make  a  sound  resembling  that  of  young  chick- 
ens ;  when  they  separate,  the  parent  assembles  them  by  a 
plaintive  and  expressive  call. 

The  RUFFED  GROUS,  Tetrao  umbellus,  is  called  pheasant  in 
the  middle  and  western  states,  and  partridge  in  New  England  ; 
a  confusion  of  names  somewhat  perplexing.  These  elegant 
birds  generally  keep  themselves  within  the  shelter  of  the  woods, 
and  prefer  those  which  grow  on  the  sides  of  mountains.  There 
they  can  find  their  food  at  all  seasons  ;  it  consists,  in  spring 
and  autumn,  of  the  buds  of  various  trees,  the  catkins  of  the 
alder  and  hazle,  and  all  the  berries  that  the  fields  and  forest 
afford.  In  winter,  they  live  on  the  buds  of  apple-trees,  laurels 
and  azaleas,  together  with  the  berries  of  the  wintergreen,  and 
the  favorite  partridge  berry,  which  they  are  able  to  rescue  from 
the  snow. 

The  ruifed  grous  begins  its  drumming  in  April ;  the  sound 
is  heard  most  frequently  at  the  beginning  and  at  the  close  of 
day.  It  is  produced  by  the  male,  who  beats  his  sides  with  such 
a  rapid  motion  as  to  make  this  sound  resembling  distant  thun- 
der, which  is  heard  at  a  prodigious  distance  in  the  woods.  It 
is  said  to  be  imitated  by  striking  an  inflated  bladder  with  a 
stick  ;  on  hearing  it,  the  male  takes  it  for  a  challenge,  and  as 
he  comes  forth  to  do  battle  with  his  supposed  rival,  he  falls  an 
easy  prey.  The  nest  is  constructed  in  May.  It  is  little  more 
than  a  handful  of  leaves,  spread  under  a  bush,  or  at  the  side  of 
a  fallen  log,  and  unlike  that  of  the  quail,  it  has  no  roof  above. 
The  eggs  are  from  nine  to  fifteen,  brownish  white.  The  young 
leave  the  nest  as  soon  as  hatched,  and  are  led  by  the  mother 
with  a  cluck  like  that  of  the  hen.  If  the  family  are  sur- 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  355 

prised,  the  mother  resorts  to  arts  like  those  of  the  quail,  throw- 
ing herself  on  the  ground,  fluttering  and  beating  with  her 
wings,  as  if  hardly  able  to  move  ;  and  while  she  thus  draws  off 
the  attention  of  the  intruder,  she  calls  to  the  young  to  dis- 
perse and  hide  themselves.  They  do  this  so  effectually  that 
they  are  seldom  found,  though  they  only  creep  among  the  dry 
leaves,  or  remain  perfectly  still,  trusting  that  their  resemblance 
to  the  earth  will  conceal  them  from  an  unfriendly  eye. 

The  old  birds,  when  hard  pressed  by  the  hunter,  if  there  is 
snow  on  the  ground,  save  themselves  by  diving  into  it,  and 
working  their  way  out  at  some  distance  from  the  place  where 
they  went  in.  Much  as  they  are  pursued,  they  are  still 
abundant  in  New  England,  and  the  wildness  of  their  habits 
will  save  them  from  extermination  so  long  as  the  forests  are 
permitted  to  last.  They  are  now  cut  down  with  wanton  pro- 
fusion ;  and  as  fast  as  they  are  cleared  away,  birds  of  this  de- 
scription are  driven  to  other  regions  less  infested  by  man. 

The  PINNATED  GROUS,  Tetrao  cupido}  was  once  very  com- 
mon in  New  England,  but,  being  more  shy  than  the  preceding 
species,  it  has  already  been  driven  from  all  but  a  very  few  pla- 
ces, where  it  is  comparatively  free  from  intrusion.  Audubon 
says,  that  when  he  first  went  to  Kentucky,  they  were  so  abun- 
dant, that  they  could  hardly  be  given  away  ;  now,  hardly  one 
can  be  found  in  the  State,  arid  they  are,  in  like  manner,  fast 
disappearing  from  all  the  settled  parts  of  the  west.  In  Massa- 
chusetts, laws  have  been  enacted  to  preserve  the  heath-hen,  as 
it  is  commonly  called  ;  but  it  is  impossible  to  withstand  the 
operation  of  the  law  of  nature  by  legislative  enactments,  and 
the  same  causes  which  have  removed  the  greater  proportion 
will  soon  deprive  us  of  all.  The  better  way  is  to  try  the  ex- 
periment of  domestication  ;  the  bird  is  easily  tamed,  and  breeds 
in  confinement.  Some  which  Audubon  kept  for  the  purpose, 
soon  became  familiar,  and  would  eat  from  the  hand  as  readily 
as  common  fowls.  Unfortunately,  they  became  so  destructive 
to  the  vegetables  of  the  garden,  that  he  was  obliged  to  have 
them  killed  ;  but  the  experiment  proceeded  far  enough  to  show, 


356  BIRDS   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

that  neither  the  natural  wildness  of  the  bird,  nor  the  want  of 
proper  food,  would  prevent  their  being  reared  by  any  one  who 
is  willing  to  take  the  trouble. 

The  grous  feeds  on  berries  of  various  kinds,  in  their  season, 
the  acorns  of  dwarf  oaks,  and  the  buds  and  leaves  of  trees.  In 
summer,  they  pick  whortleberries  and  cranberries,  and  some- 
times venture  into  a  field  to  pick  the  leaves  of  clover.  It  is 
said,  that,  sometimes  in  winter,  when  they  are  hard  pressed 
with  hunger,  they  will  feed  on  the  buds  of  the  pine.  They 
are  also  known,  under  those  circumstances,  to  join  the  domes- 
tic poultry. 

The  tooting,  for  which  these  birds  are  remarkable,  is  pro- 
duced by  means  of  the  air  bags  at  the  side.  When  these,  re- 
sembling a  small  orange,  are  inflated,  the  bird  lowers  its  head, 
opens  its  bill,  and  sends  forth  the  air  contained  in  these  recep- 
tacles, in  a  succession  of  rolling  notes,  like  those  of  a  muffled 
drum.  In  parts  of  the  country  where  the  birds  are  become 
few  and  wild,  this  sound  is  seldom  made  after  sun-rise,  and 
sometimes  the  battles  of  the  rival  males  are  carried  on  in  si- 
lence, and  the  scratching  grounds  carefully  concealed. 

The  nest  is  built  in  May,  with  dry  leaves  and  grasses,  inter- 
woven, and  is  carefully  placed  amidst  the  tall  grass  of  a  large 
tuft,  where  it  is  not  often  discovered.  The  eggs,  from  eight 
to  twelve  in  number,  resemble  those  of  the  preceding  species, 
though  somewhat  larger  in  size.  The  female  sits  nearly  three 
weeks,  and  as  soon  as  the  young  are  hatched,  leads  them  away 
from  the  nest.  When  surprised,  they  conceal  themselves,  like 
young  partridges,  and  one  may  search  for  them  in  vain,  though 
perhaps  he  is  treading  them  under  his  feet.  In  autumn,  the 
different  families  associate  together,  sometimes  in  very  large 
parties.  Their  most  dangerous  enemies  are  the  hawk,  the 
skunk,  and  the  greatest  of  all  destroyers,  man. 

The  only  place  where  they  are  now  found  in  Massachusetts, 
is  in  Martha's  Vineyard,  and  one  small  island  near  it ;  and 
there,  though  pains  are  taken  to  protect  them,  they  are  said  to 
diminish  fast,  the  high  price  which  they  command  in  the  mar- 
ket, being  a  strong  temptation  to  shoot  them.  Cats,  also,  which 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  357 

run  wild  in  the  island,  do  their  part  in  the  work  of  extermina- 
tion. The  wonder  is,  that  with  all  their  timidity,  they  have 
remained  so  long,  but  their  patience  and  their  attachment  to 
their  old  haunts  will  be  wearied  out,  and  other  means  must  be 
found  to  gratify  the  epicure's  taste,  and  the  sportsman's  love 
of  pleasure.  The  order  of  nature  supplies  such  game,  as  a  re- 
source for  the  pioneers  of  civilization,  while  the  process  of 
clearing  the  soil  goes  on ;  till  the  earth  is  subdued,  the  deer, 
the  birds,  and  the  fish,  supply  means  of  sustaining  life.  But 
when  agriculture,  and  the  other  arts  of  life,  begin  to  be  pur- 
sued with  profit  and  success,  these  resources  cease  to  be  need- 
ed ;  the  habits  of  the  hunter  are  inconsistent  with  regular  in- 
dustry ;  and  as  the  game  would  only  serve  to  tempt  men  away 
from  their  cares  and  duties,  the  forests  and  streams  are  desert- 
ed, and  their  wild  tenants  go  where  there  are  other  adventu- 
rers who  need  them.  If  the  gallinaceous  tribes  can  be  pre- 
served, it  is  by  domestication,  not  by  law.  Experiments  should 
be  made  for  several  years  in  succession,  and  if  these  fail,  we 
must  make  up  our  minds  to  lose  them. 


WADING    BIRDS. 

The  SANDERLING,  Calidris  arenaria,  is  an  autumnal  and 
winter  visiter,  which  arrives  from  its  northern  breeding  places 
in  August,  and  spreads  along  the  coast  from  Maine  to  Florida. 
They  are  seen  in  flocks,  running  in  the  face  of  the  waves,  and 
uttering  a  plaintive  whistle,  as  they  gather  the  small  shellfish, 
insects,  and  other  minute  animals,  with  which  the  beach 
abounds.  This  bird  obtains  much  of  its  subsistence  by  insert- 
ing its  bill  obliquely  in  the  sands  ;  it  does  this  with  great  ac- 
tivity, and  when  the  tide  is  going  down,  great  numbers  of  the 
holes  which  are  made  by  this  process,  are  seen  upon  the  wet 
beach.  They  can  run  very  fast  upon  the  sands ;  their  flight  is 


358  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

rapid,  but  they  generally  alight  at  no  great  distance  from  the 
spot  whence  they  started.  When  they  return  to  us  in  autumn, 
from  the  northern  regions,  they  are  in  good  order  for  eating, 
and  their  flesh  is  much  esteemed. 

The  BLACK  NECKED  HILT,  Himantopus  nigricollis.  if  known 
at  all  in  Massachusetts,  appears  only  as  an  accidental  visiter. 
Dr.  Brewer  tells  me  that  a  bird  somewhat  answering  to  the 
description  of  this  has  been  seen  occasionally  near  New  Bed- 
ford, but  he  has  never  obtained  a  specimen. 

The  AMERICAN  OYSTER-CATCHER,  Hcematopus  palliatus,  is 
found  along  our  whole  Atlantic  coast,  but  more  rarely  in  New 
England  than  in  other  parts  of  the  country.  It  spends  the 
winter  in  the  south,  and  returns  to  the  north  in  spring.  Its 
breeding  places  extend  from  the  middle  states  to  Labrador, 
where  it  was  found  breeding  in  July.  Dr.  Brewer  informs  me 
that  he  has  once  found  this  bird  in  Massachusetts.  We  learn 
from  Audubon,  that  he  has  never  found  the  Hcematopus  ostra- 
legus,  described  by  Wilson,  in  any  part  of  this  country,  and, 
though  he  does  not  say  it  is  not  to  be  found,  it  is  more  likely 
that  this  species  has  been  mistaken  for  it,  than  that  it  should 
have  escaped  his  searching  observation.  This  bird  is  exceed- 
ingly difficult  to  approach,  flying  off  the  moment  it  perceives 
that  any  one  is  watching  it  ;  so  that  it  was  only  with  a  teles- 
cope that  he  could  observe  its  motions,  as  it  probed  the  sand 
with  it  bill,  tore  off  the  limpets  by  inserting  its  bill  as  a  wedge 
between  the  fish  and  the  rock,  or  beat  a  shell-fish  against  the 
sand,  for  the  purpose  of  breaking  the  shell.  These  birds  return 
to  the  south  early  in  October. 

The  GOLDEN  PLOVER,  charadrius  pluvialis,  is  a  common 
bird  on  our  coast  in  spring  and  autumn,  when  they  return  from 
their  breeding  places  in  the  north,  and  prolong  their  stay,  till 
they  are  driven  away  by  the  approach  of  winter.  They  live 
principally  on  such  insects  as  are  found  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
sea  ;  they  are  sometimes  seen  patting  the  earth  with  their  feet, 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  359 

to  force  out  the  worm  from  his  burrow,  but  when  grasshoppers 
are  to  be  had,  they  appear  to  be  the  plover's  favorite  food. 
They  assemble  in  such  immense  flocks,  that  on  one  occasion 
when  Audubon  accompanied  some  French  gunners  from  New 
Orleans  to  shoot  them,  one  man  killed  sixty-three  dozens  in  the 
course  of  the  day.  When  they  are  about  taking  their  depar- 
ture, they  assemble  in  large  flocks  in  the  morning,  though  they 
rest  apart  from  each  other  at  night ;  and  at  such  times,  they 
are  caught  in  great  numbers  in  nets,  which  they  are  driven 
into  by  creating  a  panic  among  them.  No  difference  can  be 
detected  between  this  and  the  golden  plover  of  Europe  ;  it  is 
doubtless  the  same  with  the  bird  so  abundant  in  the  Hebrides, 
and  found  in  most  parts  of  the  known  world. 

The  PIPING  PLOVER,  Charadrius  melodus,  so  called  from  its 
pleasant,  though  plaintive  note,  is  fo'und  along  our  whole  coast 
in  summer.  They  spend  the  winter  on  the  shores  of  the 
southern  states.  In  the  spring  they  proceed  to  the  eastward  in 
pairs  ;  if  they  find  a  suitable  breeding  place  on  the  way,  they 
alight  and  take  possession,  and  as  they  are  soon  joined  by  oth- 
ers, they  soon  form  a  considerable  party.  In  autumn,  they 
move  in  flocks  of  twenty  or  thirty,  always  keeping  near  the 
shore.  Its  flight  is  strong  and  rapid,  but  it  is  more  remarkable 
for  its  swiftness  in  running,  which  is  so  great,  that  it  eludes 
the  eye,  and  reposes  quietly  on  the  sand,  which  it  so  much  re- 
sembles that  it  has  no  fear  of  being  detected.  I  have  no  infor- 
mation of  its  nest  having  been  found  in  our  State,  but  it  can 
hardly  be  that  it  should  breed  so  far  on  each  side  of  us,  and 
yet  pass  us  by.  The  piping  plover  is  valued  as  game,  but  the 
sportsman  generally  gives  his  attention  to  birds  of  larger  size. 

WILSON'S  PLOVER,  Charadrius  Wilsonius,  a  species  resem- 
bling the  preceding,  and  named  in  honor  of  the  great  ornitholo- 
gist, is  a  constant  resident  in  the  southern  states,  but  was  sup- 
posed never  to  come  farther  to  the  east  than  Long  Island. 
Audubon  thought  it  strange  that  its  range  should  be  so  limited, 
compared  with  that  of  the  piping  plover.  I  am,  however,  in- 


360  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

formed  by  Dr.  Brewer,  that  Wilson's  plover  was  abundant  at 
Nahant  in  August  of  the  last  year.  It  was  probably  some  ir- 
regular movement,  which  would  not  be  repeated  every  year, 
since  it  is  hardly  to  be  supposed  that  the  bird  should  be  often 
in  our  limits,  and  yet  escape  the  eye  of  so  many  accurate  ob- 
servers. 

The  KILDEER  PLOVER,  Charadrius  vociferus,  is  a  common 
bird,  which  spends  the  winter  at  the  south,  but  returns  early 
in  the  spring,  leaving  the  coast  and  spreading  over  the  inland 
country,  where  it  is  found  in  open  fields,  and  on  the  banks  of 
streams,  and  known  by  the  name  of  kill-dee.  It  seems  to  have 
great  sagacity  in  suspecting  danger.  In  the  presence  of  hor- 
ses, cows  and  sheep,  it  is  perfectly  indifferent ;  but  if  a  man  or 
dog  appears,  it  betrays  extreme  uneasiness  and  distrust.  When 
they  move  in  small  flocks,  they  appoint  one  as  sentinel,  who 
stands  on  tiptoe,  watching  all  the  objects  around  ;  when  any- 
thing appears,  in  the  least  suspicious,  it  sounds  the  alarm,  and 
the  place  is  at  once  deserted. 

The  kildeer  plover  makes  its  nest  on  the  ground  of  a  field, 
or  the  sand  of  the  downs,  sometimes  lining  it  with  grass,  at 
others  laying  the  eggs  on  the  naked  earth ;  they  are  four  in 
number,  of  a  cream  color,  blotched  with  black  ;  the  young  run 
about  as  soon  as  they  are  hatched,  and  the  parents  are  kept  in 
perpetual  agitation  by  fears  for  their  safety. 

The  food  of  the  kildeer  consists  of  grasshoppers,  crickets, 
snails  and  earth  worms.  They  often  strike  their  bill  into  the 
ground,  in  search  of  their  prey.  In  the  meadow,  they  pat  the 
ground,  to  force  out  the  worms,  and  sometimes  follow  the 
ploughman,  to  seize  those  which  he  has  turned  out  from  the 
ground.  They  have  a  peculiar  motion  of  the  body,  when 
about  to  pick  up  their  food,  in  order  to  bring  their  bills  to  the 
earth  to  reach  their  prey.  The  flesh  of  this  plover  is  often 
eaten  in  the  fall,  but  at  other  seasons  it  is  poor  and  ill  flavored ; 
indeed,  there  is  hardly  any  time  when  it  is  worth  the  trouble 
of  shooting. 


BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  361 

The  SEMIPALMATED  PLOVER,  Charadrius  semipalmatus,  is 
not  an  uncommon  bird,  and  is  seen  on  our  coast  in  the  spring, 
from  the  last  of  April  till  the  end  of  May  •  then  it  goes  to  high 
northern  latitudes  to  spend  the  breeding  season,  at  which  time, 
Dr.  Richardson  assures  us,  they  abound  in  the  arctic  regions. 
As  soon  as  the  young  have  acquired  strength  for  the  journey, 
they  set  out  on  their  return,  and  early  in  August  they  again 
make  their  appearance  on  our  shores.  They  feed  on  land  as 
well  as  marine  insects,  though  they  are  generally  seen  playing 
before  the  waves  on  the  beacli.  They  are  found  in  the  mar- 
kets of  our  cities  at  the  close  of  summer,  and  are  well  esteemed 
for  food. 

The  BLACK-BELLIED  PLOVER,  Charadrius  Helveticus,  called 
sometimes  the  large  Whistling  Field  Plover,  because  of  its  at- 
tachment to  newly-ploughed  fields,  where  it  finds  the  insects 
and  berries  which  compose  its  food,  is  found  over  a  large  extent 
of  country,  having  breeding  places  from  Pennsylvania  to  the 
most  distant  northern  regions  known  to  civilized  man.     It  often 
chooses  the  field  for  the  place  of  its  nest,  which  is  carelessly 
made  of  dry  grass,  and  in  which  are  laid  four  eggs,  of  cream 
color,  dashed  with  black.     Nuttall  says,  that  their  nests  are  of 
rare  occurrence  in  New  England,  but  does  not  say  whether  he 
had  ever  found  them.     In  the  summer  they  feed  on  various 
berries,  and  are  valued  as  food.     At  the  close  of  August,  they 
go   down  with  their  young  to  the  borders  of  the  sea,  where 
they  live  on  such  materials  as  the  shores  afford  them.     They 
are  called  the  beetle-headed  plovers,  and  sometimes  the  kildeer, 
from  their  cry,  in  which  they  resemble  that  restless  bird,  as 
well  as  in  their  never-resting  suspicion.     Toward  the  last  of 
September  they  collect  in  great  flocks,  preparatory  to  their  mi- 
gration, but   linger  with   us   for   a  considerable   time  before 
they  go. 

The   TURNSTONE,  Strepsilus  interpres,  derives  its  popular 
name  from  the  habit  of  turning  over  stones  with  the  bill  and 
sometimes  the  breast,  to  find  insects  and  worms  beneath  them, 
46 


362  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

a  habit  which  they  are  said  to  retain  when  in  a  domesticated 
state.  They  arrive  in  the  spring,  and  linger  on  the  shores  till 
the  summer,  when  they  hurry  away  to  the  desolate  coasts  of 
the  northern  ocean,  where  they  breed.  They  return  in  August, 
and,  as  the  weather  grows  cold,  move  off  to  the  south,  extending 
their  migration  over  a  vast  extent  of  country.  The  turnstone 
flies  with  a  loud  twittering  note,  and  runs  with  its  wings  low- 
ered, but  not  rapidly.  They  do  not  collect  in  great  numbers, 
like  the  sandpipers,  but  are  seen  in  small  parties  of  three  or 
four.  The  bill  resembles  that  of  the  nuthatch,  and  is  used 
with  great  skill  in  collecting  food.  It  is  strong  enough  to 
break  the  shells  of  many  small  shell  fish  ;  from  others,  it  picks 
out  the  flesh  like  the  oyster  catcher. 

The  GREAT  BLUE  HERON,  Ardea  herodias,  is  a  constant  res- 
ident in  Massachusetts,  searching  for  its  prey,  in  winter,  in 
springs  and  ponds,  which  are  not  sealed  up  by  the  cold.  It 
seems  indifferent  to  climate,  but  is  not  found  very  far  to  the 
north,  though  it  is  seen  westward  as  far  as  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains. It  is  a  shy  and  suspicious  bird,  with  most  penetrating 
and  far-reaching  powers  of  vision,  so  that  it  is  extremely  diffi- 
cult to  approach  it,  except  in  the  depth  of  the  wood.  Their 
principal  food  is  fish  ;  but  they  have  an  extensive  bill  of  fare, 
embracing  frogs,  lizards,  meadow  mice,  young  rats,  snakes  and 
birds.  It  does  not  refuse  insects  when  it  can  find  nothing  bet- 
ter ;  but  it  prefers  fish,  and  has  been  known  to  expose  itself  so 
much  in  order  to  secure  it,  as  to  plunder  a  pond  of  its  gold  fish. 
It  suffered  the  penalty  of  its  transgression,  but  not  till  it  had 
eaten  the  last  fish.  The  amount  which  it  will  devour  exceeds 
belief.  These  birds  have  great  strength  and  spirit,  so  as  to 
make  it  dangerous  even  for  a  man  to  encounter  them,  since 
they  seem  to  know  the  points  most  unguarded,  and  always  aim 
at  the  eye.  The  blue  heron  breeds  under  various  circumstan- 
ces, sometimes  in  communities,  sometimes  apart ;  some  nests 
are  in  very  tall  trees,  some  lower,  and  others  are  on  the  ground. 
The  eggs  are  three,  of  a  bluish  white  color,  and  larger  than 
those  of  a  hen.  The  old  ones  provide  very  liberally  for  the 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  363 

young  till  they  are  able  to  shift  for  themselves,  when  they  turn 
them  adrift  without  ceremony,  arid,  from  want  of  experience, 
they  often  suffer  for  the  want  of  food.  They  take  three  years 
to  reach  maturity,  and  even  after  that  period  they  sometimes 
continue  to  grow. 

The  GREAT  WHITE  HERON,  Ardea  egretta,  is,  according  to 
Audubon,  sometimes  seen  as  far  eastward  as  Massachusetts. 

The  WHITE  HERON,  Ardea  alba,  is  inserted  on  the  authority 
of  Audubon,  who,  as  Dr.  Brewer  informs  me,  has  ascertained 
that  it  is  sometimes  found  in  this  State.  Its  principal  resi- 
dence is  in  the  southern  regions,  and  when  it  comes  to  the 
north,  it  is  found  on  the  low  marshy  shores  of  rivers  and  broad 
swamps,  where  it  is  open  to  view,  but  contrives  to  escape  from 
injury  by  its  watchful  suspicion. 

The  SNOWY  HERON,  Ardea  candidissima,  is  inserted  on  the 
same  great  authority  j  but  it  seldom  comes  farther  to  the  north 
than  New  York.  It  was  said  to  proceed  as  far  as  the  gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence,  but  Wilson  was  probably  misled  by  his  informer. 
They  come  from  the  south  in  May,  and  in  summer  they  are 
seen  along  the  coast  from  this  State  to  the  gulf  of  Mexico.  It 
is  a  fine  looking  bird,  with  animated  and  graceful  motions  ;  if 
wounded,  it  defends  itself  vigorously,  and  sometimes  inflicts  a 
severe  wound.  The  fall  of  the  leaf  is  the  signal  for  its  depar- 
ture. This  heron  is  often  exposed  for  sale  in  the  southern  mar- 
kets, and  in  the  early  part  of  autumn  the  flesh  is  said  to  be 
good. 

The  NIGHT  HERON,  Ardea  nycticorax,  called  the  Q,ua-bird 
from  its  peculiar  call,  is  found  in  the  southern  states  through- 
out the  year,  but  many  of  them  come  to  the  north  in  spring, 
and  their  breeding  places  extend  as  far  eastward  as  Maine. 
One  of  their  breeding  places  is  found  in  a  marshy  island  in 
Fresh  pond,  in  Cambridge,  where  they  continue  to  resort, 
though  exposed  to  much  persecution.  Their  sight  by  day  is 


364  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

imperfect  ;•  but  the  sense  of  hearing  is  so  quick,  that  it  is  very 
difficult  to  approach  them.  They  have  a  strong  and  steady 
flight,  and  seldom  alight  on  the  ground,  without  first  resting  on 
the  neighboring  trees  to  examine  the  spot.  On  the  ground  it 
walks  stooping,  and  is  constantly  moving  about  in  search  of 
food,  which  consists  of  frogs,  tadpoles,  water  insects,  and  fish, 
which  it  wades  deep  in  the  water  to  procure.  When  satiated 
it  retires  to  a  tree  or  a  swamp,  and  there  reposes  on  one  leg, 
but  starts  from  its  slumber  on  the  least  alarm.  When  taken,' 
it  defends  itself  with  its  bill,  but  sometimes  uses  its  claws 
serious  effect,  making  a  rough  and  angry  sound,  and  constantly 
attempting  to  escape. 

The  nest  is  formed  of  sticks  arranged  on  each  other  so  care- 
lessly, that  it  is  sometimes  overset  by  the  young.  The  eggs 
are  four  in  number,  of  a  light  sea  green.  The  young  remain  a 
long  time  in  the  nest  ;  as  soon  as  they  are  able,  they  climb  to 
the  tops  of  the  trees,  and  there  wait  to  be  fed.  Their  flesh  is 
sard  to  be  as  good  as  that  of  the  pigeon.  They  undergo  three 
annual  changes  of  plumage  before  they  reach  their  mature 
state. 


The  AMERICAN  BITTERN,  Ardea  minor,  sometimes  called  the 
Night  Hen,  from  its  nocturnal  habits,  is  a  retired  bird,  which 
remains  hidden  in  the  reeds  and  sedge  throughout  the  day, 
never  leaving  its  retreat,  except  in  cases  of  alarm.  It  then  flies 
off  with  a  hollow  cry,  and  as  its  motions  are  heavy,  it  is  easily 
brought  down.  They  feed  mostly  in  the  night,  and  it  is  in  the 
dusk  of  morning  and  evening  that  their  booming  note  is  usually 
'heard.  They  breed  in  the  northern  regions,  where  their  nests 
are  made  iix  swamps  among  the  coarse  grass  ;  the  eggs  are  four, 
of  a  green  color.  They  also  breed  in  this  State. 

The  GREEN  HERON,  Ardea  virescens,  is  better  known  than 
any  other  of  the  tribe,  and,  without  any  reason,  is  held  in  gen- 
eral contempt.  He  cares  very  little,  however,  for  the  scorn  or 
favor  of  man,  and  neithei  seeks  nor  fears  his  society.  He  pre- 
fers the  solitude  of  swamps  and  marshes,  where  he  can  associ- 


„  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  365 

ate  with  birds  of  habits  similar  to  his  own,  and  there  seeks  his 
subsistence  from  the  waters  or  the  muddy  shores.  If  fishes  or 
frogs  make  their  appearance,  for  which  he  waits  patiently,  he 
seizes  them  with  great  adroitness  ;  dragonflies  and  other  in- 
sects, also  serve  to  help  out  his  fare.  When  surprised,  he  rises 
with  a  hollow  scream,  but  flies  only  to  a  little  distance,  as  if 
considering  just  how  far  it  is  necessary  to  go.  The  nest  is 
made  of  twigs,  and  placed  on  trees ;  the  eggs  four,  of  a  pale 
blue.  They  sometimes  breed  apart,  sometimes  in  company 
with  each  other,  and  not  unfrequently  put  themselves  under 
the  protection  of  the  larger  herons.  They  come  from  the  south 
in  April,  and  return  in  October,  not  in  large  flocks,  but  in  small 
family  parties. 

The  LEAST  BITTERN,  Ardea  exilis,  the  smallest  of  this  class 
of  birds,  is  so  slender  that  it  can  pass  between  two  books  set  an 
inch  apart  from  each  other  without  displacing  them.  From 
their  habit  of  retiring  into  extensive  marshes,  they  are  but  sel- 
dom seen,  as  they  rise  only  in  sudden  alarm.  At  such  times, 
they  fly  slowly  and  timidly  ;  but,  like  other  nocturnal  birds, 
as  the  enemy  comes  on,  their  flight  grows  confident  and  strong. 
Its  food  consists  of  snails,  tadpoles,  field  mice  and  moles,  which 
it  collects,  sometimes  by  day,  but  more  frequently  at  night  j 
in  the  day,  they  sleep  so  soundly  that  they  are  sometimes  ap- 
proached and  caught  in  the  hand.  Their  nest  is  among  coarse 
grasses,  and  either  on  the  ground  or  attached  to  the  stalks  a 
little  way  above  it.  It  is  formed  of  dried  weeds,  and  contains 
three  or  four  eggs,  of  a  dull  yellowish  green.  Though  they 
breed  here,  their  nests  are  seldom  found,  and  no  one  has  yet 
given  an  account  of  their  migrations. 

The  BAY  IBIS,  Ibis  fakinellu s,  is  a  rare  and  accidental  visi- 
ter,  inserted  on  the  authority  of  Nuttall,  who  says  that  a  single 
specimen  is  sometimes  offered  for  sale  in  the  market  at  Boston. 

« 

The  LONG  BILLED  CURLEW,  Numenius  longirostris,  is  seen 
in  Massachusetts  in  the  spring,  on  its  way  to  the  north  to 


366  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

breed ;  in  August  they  return,  to  spend  the  winter  in  warmer 
regions.  Dr.  Brewer  tells  me  that  he  has  seen  large  flocks  of 
them  at  Nahant,  and  they  are  offered  for  sale  in  the  market  in 
Boston,  at  the  close  of  the  summer.  The  name  curlew,  is  an 
imitation  of  their  cry  of  alarm,  by  counterfeiting  which,  the 
fowler  takes  advantage  of  their  sympathy,  and  brings  them 
within  his  fatal  reach. 

The  ESQUIMAUX  CURLEW,  Numenius  Hudsonicus,  passes  the 
winter  at  the  south,  and  returns  in  the  spring,  on  its  way  to 
the  north,  where  it  breeds  ;  but  in  what  place  is  not  known. 
Audubon  could  not  find  them  at  Labrador,  nor  learn  that  any 
had  ever  been  seen  in  that  country.  In  August  and  September 
they  return,  and  many  of  them  are  shot  in  Boston  harbor. 
They  are  found  in  pastures  as  well  as  marshes,  feeding  on 
grasshoppers  and  berries,  till  the  time  of  their  departure,  when 
they  assemble  in  large  flocks,  preparatory  to  their  migration. 

The  SMALL  ESQUIMAUX  CURLEW,  Numenius  borealis,  like  the 
preceding,  go  to  the  north  in  the  spring.  Though  they  abound- 
ed at  Labrador,  Audubon  found  none  remaining  to  breed  there  ; 
they  also  proceed  beyond  Hudson's  Bay  ;  but  Dr.  Richardson 
succeeded  in  finding  a  nest  at  Point  Lake,  in  the  month  of 
June.  At  the  close  of  summer,  these  birds  arrive  in  company 
with  the  preceding,  and  feed,  like  them,  in  marshes  and  pas- 
tures. They  are  also  valued  as  game.  Though  sufficiently 
common  here,  this  bird  is  hardly  ever  seen  in  the  southern 
states,  which  it  must  pass  through  or  pass  over  in  its  annual 
flight.  Even  Audubon,  before  he  went  to  Labrador,  had  never 
seen  more  than  a  single  specimen,  furnished  by  Mr.  Oakes,  of 
this  State. 

The  CURLEW  SANDPIPER.  Tringa  subarquata,  is  an  exceed- 
ingly rare  bird ;  inserted  here,  because  Audubon  tells  us  that 
of  the  few  specimens  which  he  has  ever  seen,  two  were  pro- 
cured in  Boston. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  367 

The  RED  BACKED  SANDPIPER,  Tringa  alpina,  is  called  in 
England  the  Dunlin,  in  this  country  the  Red-back,  or  the  Ox- 
bird.  They  make  their  way  to  the  north  in  the  spring,  where 
they  go  far  within  the  arctic  circle.  In  September  they  re- 
turn, and  are  seen  in  company  with  other  sand  birds,  running 
gaily  before  the  breaking  waves. 

SCHINZ'S  SANDPIPER,  Tringa  Schinzii,  has  been  found  by 
Mr.  Oakes  in  this  State.  Bonaparte  says  it  is  common  in 
autumn,  on  the  coast  of  New  Jersey.  They  resemble  other 
sandpipers  in  their  habits  and  food,  but  even  Audubon  has 
never  found  them  breeding. 

The  PECTORAL  SANDPIPER,  Tringa  pectoralis,  is  more  abun- 
dant on  the  shores  of  Massachusetts  Bay  than  in  any  other  part 
of  the  country.  They  arrive  at  the  last  of  August,  and  remain 
till  the  fall  of  the  leaf,  feeding  on  insects  and  a  kind  of  sea- 
weed. Their  northern  breeding  places  are  as  yet  entirely  un- 
known. 

The  BUFF  BREASTED  SANDPIPER,  Tringa  rufescens,  is  not 
uncommon  in  the  Boston  market,  in  August  and  September, 
but  so  rare  in  other  parts  of  the  country,  that  Wilson  never 
saw  it,  and  Audubon  first  met  with  it  in  England.  He  re- 
ceived a  wing  of  this  bird  from  Captain  Ross,  that  was  picked 
up  by  a  sailor  on  the  Arctic  expedition,  and  this  is  all  we  know 
concerning  it  in  the  regions  where  it  must  undoubtedly  breed. 
Here  it  associates  with  the  preceding  species,  which  it  resem- 
bles in  form,  though  not  in  plumage,  and  feeds  with  it,  on  in- 
sects, particularly  grasshoppers,  which  abound  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  the  sea. 

The  BROAD  BILLED  SANDPIPER,  Tringa  platyrhinca,  is  very 
rare  in  the  United  States,  but  I  am  enabled  to  add  it  to  our 
list,  on  the  authority  of  Mr.  S.  Cabot,  Jr.,  who  procured  a  spec- 
imen at  Nahant,  the  only  one  which,  to  my  knowledge,  has 
been  found  in  Massachusetts. 


368  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  PURPLE  SANDPIPER,  Tringa  maritima,  is  another  of 
these  wanderers,  which  abounds  in  autumn,  and  is  sold  in  the 
market  at  Boston,  but  is  less  common  in  other  parts  of  the 
United  States.  They  fly  in  flocks  of  eight  or  ten,  avoiding 
sandy  beaches,  and  alighting  on  rocky  shores  ;  from  which  pe- 
culiarity in  their  habits,  they  are  sometimes  called  rock  snipes, 
by  the  fowlers.  Audubon  did  not  find  them  breeding  at  Lab- 
rador, but  Dr.  Richardson  says  that  they  breed  abundantly  on 
the  shores  of  Hudson's  Bay. 

The  LITTLE  SANDPIPER,  Tringa  pusilla,  which  is,  as  Dr. 
Brewer  informs  us,  the  same  with  Wilson's  Sandpiper,  is  known 
by  the  name  of  Peep,  and  is  found,  in  its  season,  on  all  the 
shores  and  in  all  the  markets  of  the  Union.  It  goes  to  the 
north  to  breed,  like  the  rest  of  the  tribe ;  but  returns  in  the 
early  summer  in  large  flocks,  roving  from  place  to  place  in 
search  of  food.  Its  bill  is  pointed  and  flexible  ;  and  in  order  to 
collect  its  fare  of  worms  and  insects,  the  bill  is  inserted  in  the 
mud  or  wet  sand,  after  the  manner  of  the  woodcock.  This  bird 
leaves  us  before  the  fall  of  the  leaf,  and  passes  the  winter  in 
distant  southern  regions. 

The  KNOT,  or  ASH-COLORED  SANDPIPER,  Tringa  cinerea, 
appears  on  our  coast  in  May,  on  its  way  to  the  north,  whence 
it  returns  before  the  end  of  summer,  and  is  seen  in  large  flocks, 
collecting  small  shell  fish  along  the  strand,  moving  with  great 
adroitness  under  the  edge  of  the  waves.  The  shell  fish  are 
swallowed  whole  ;  but  the  birds  grow  fat  upon  them.  While 
thus  employed  the  birds  are  easily  approached ;  nor  does  the 
fate  of  those  that  are  shot  strike  any  fear  into  the  survivors. 

The  SEMIPALMATED  SANDPIPER,  Tringa  semipalmata,  is 
sometimes  confounded  with  the  peep,  with  which  it  often  as- 
sociates ;  but  is  obviously  distinguished  from  it  by  its  half- 
webbed  feet.  This  habit  of  keeping  company  with  other  birds 
has  prevented  accurate  observation  of  its  periods.  Wilson  says 
that  it  arrives  and  departs  with  the  sanderling,  and  associates- 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  369 

with  the  red  back,  though  in  flocks  apart  from  each  other. 
They  are  found  in  the  salt  marshes  near  Boston,  and  are  consid- 
ered better  eating  than  any  other  of  the  small  birds. 

The  SEMIPALMATED  SNIPE,  Totanus  semipalmatus,  is  not  com- 
mon in  Massachusetts,  though  it  is  found  near  Boston,  and  oc- 
casionally breeds  near  New  Bedford.  It  is  known  by  the  name 
of  Willet,  a  sound  resembling  its  usual  cry.  It  is  a  shy  and 
artful  bird,  and  not  approached  by  the  fowler  without  cunning 
equal  to  its  own.  It  makes  its  nest  on  the  ground  in  the 
marsh;  constructing  it  with  the  coarse  grass  which  grows  on 
the  spot ;  it  contains  four  eggs,  of  a  yellowish  olive,  blotched 
and  speckled  with  dark  umber.  In  the  autumn,  the  young  are 
known  by  their  grey  color,  and  are  marked  out  by  the  fowler 
as  excellent  game.  They  come  to  us  before  the  end  of  April, 
and  return  before  winter  to  the  southern  states. 

The  TELL  TALE,  Totanus  vociferus,  whose  name  is  given 
in  consequence  of  its  habit  of  sounding  an  alarm  to  all  birds 
within  reach,  whenever  the  fowler  is  nigh,  and  thereby  saving 
many  ducks  from  the  fate  that  would  otherwise  await  them. 
In  Massachusetts  they  are  uncommon  ;  though  they  sometimes 
touch  upon  the  capes  in  considerable  numbers,  it  seems  only  a 
stop  for  the  purpose  of  resting  in  their  migration. 

The  YELLOW  SHANKS,  Totanus  flavipes,  is  a  common  sum- 
mer resident  in  this  State.  Its  breeding  place  extends  from  the 
middle  states  to  the  high  northern  regions  ;  but  common  as  the 
young  birds  are,  the  nest  has  not  yet  been  found  in  our  borders. 
Its  breeding  place  in  Nova  Scotia  is  found  in  the  grass  on  the 
edges  of  ponds  and  rivers.  The  bird  resides  chiefly  on  flats 
and  marshes,  and  is  seldom  seen  at  any  considerable  distance 
from  the  sea.  Their  food  consists  of  small  fish,  aquatic  insects 
and  worms.  It  is  a  shy  bird,  which  often  gives  an  alarm  to 
others  that  are  less  on  their  guard ;  but  they  do  not  associate 
with  other  birds,  though  often  seen  near  them.  When  alarmed 
they  run  to  some  distance  before  they  fly ;  when  they  take 
47 


370  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

wing,  they  are  known  by  their  long  yellow  legs,  stretched  out 
behind  them  to  steer  their  flight.  It  has  been  said,  that  when 
one  was  shot  its  companions  would  gather  round  it ;  but,  like 
other  creatures,  their  sympathy  is  principally  vocal,  and  seldom 
indulged  at  any  risk  to  themselves. 

The  SOLITARY  TATTLER,  Totanus  chloropygius,  is  seen  in 
Massachusetts  in  the  autumn,  on  its  way  from  the  north  where 
it  breeds.  Dr.  Richardson  says  that  it  makes  no  nest,  but  lays 
its  eggs  on  the  naked  beach  or  the  gravel.  It  is  very  unsuspi- 
cious ;  and  when  it  takes  wing,  returns  to  the  same  place  after 
a  wheeling  flight,  and  contents  itself  with  occasional  glances  at 
the  observer.  The  solitary  habits,  however,  from  which  these 
birds  derive  their  name,  protect  them ;  since  their  numbers  are 
too  small  to  tempt  the  sportsman.  When  so  wounded  as  to  be 
unable  to  fly,  they  take  to  the  water  to  save  themselves  by 
swimming  and  diving.  Nuttall  says  that  two  of  these  little 
birds  frequented  the  fish  pond  in  the  Botanic  garden  at 
Cambridge,  in  search  of  the  insects  which  feed  on  the  water 
lily  ;  these  they  secured  by  stepping  lightly  and  with  expanded 
wings  over  the  leaves  which  rested  on  the  water. 

The  SPOTTED  TATTLER,  Totanus  macularius,  is  one  of  our 
most  common  birds  from  May  to  October.  From  its  note,  it  is 
called  the  Peet-weet,  which  is  its  familiar  name.  It  is  seen 
about  creeks  and  rivers,  flying  in  winding  sweeps  and  sounding 
its  clear  whistle.  When  the  young  are  added  to  the  company, 
they  keep  up  a  constant  call  to  each  other,  so  that  the  whole 
region  is  eloquent  with  the  sound.  They  usually  breed  in 
meadows,  in  nests  made  of  the  grass,  slightly  arranged  for  the 
purpose,  with  a  lining  of  hay.  Sometimes  they  lay  directly 
on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  four,  cream-colored,  with  spots 
of  brown.  The  female  practises  the  same  arts  with  the  quail, 
to  secure  her  young,  and  they,  when  alarmed,  trust  to  their 
color,  and  remain  motionless  on  the  ground. 

BARTRAM'S  TATTLER,  Totanus  Bartramius,  is  a  bird  first  de- 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  371 

scribed  by  Wilson,  who  found  it  on  the  banks  of  the  Schuyl- 
kill.  and  named  it  in  honor  of  his  friend.  It  is  common  on  the 
sea  coasts,  but  not  confined  to  them ;  it  extends  into  the  coun- 
try, where  it  is  called  the  upland  plover,  and  is  seen  running 
through  the  grass  in  search  of  insects  j  grasshoppers  being  its 
favorite  food.  Its  breeding  range  extends  from  the  middle 
states  to  the  fur  countries ;  to  these  it  returns  in  the  month  of 
May,  when  its  nests  are  made  in  various  parts  of  the  State. 
They  keep  in  small  parties,  and  are  always  suspicious  of  dan- 
ger ;  when  alarmed,  they  run  fast,  and  make  a  sharp  whistle  as 
they  take  wing  to  fly.  Fearful  as  they  are  of  man,  they  are 
great  friends  to  the  cattle.  They  commonly  find  food  in  such 
abundance,  that  they  grow  very  fat,  and  their  flesh  is  consid- 
ered a  great  luxury. 

The  MARBLED  GOD  WIT,  Limosa  fedoa,  is  a  visiter  in  this 
State  in  the  spring  and  autumn,  on  its  way  to  and  from  the 
north,  where  its  breeding  places  are  but  little  known.  In  Au- 
gust they  appear  in  large  numbers,  and  many  are  shot  for  the 
table,  though  their  stay  is  very  short,  and  their  habits  are  shy. 
The  fowler  has  little  chance  of  success,  except  he  resorts  to 
stratagem,  or  alarms  and  confuses  them  by  shooting  one  of  the 
number  ;  in  which  case  they  hover  round  the  fallen,  with  many 
complaints  of  what  has  been  done. 

The  HUDSONIAN  GODWIT,  Limosa  Hudsonica,  is  not  common 
here,  though  it  abounds  in  its  northern  breeding  places ;  so 
that  the  great  proportion  must  travel  and  return  over  land,  or 
turn  away  to  the  northwestern  shores.  Audubori  never  saw  it, 
till  he  found  it  in  the  Boston  market,  where  it  is  called  the 
goose  bird.  Dr.  Brewer  tells  me  that  he  doubts  the  existence 
of  L.  fedoa  in  America,  and  suspects  that  the  bird  so  called, 
will  turn  out  to  be  the  adult  of  the  present  species. 

The  RED  BREASTED  SNIPE,  Scolopax  grisea,  arrives  on  our 
coast,  from  the  south,  in  April,  and  spends  three  or  four  weeks, 
never  going  far  from  the  shores,  and  frequenting  the  flats  and 


372  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

sand  bars,  at  low  water,  in  search  of  food  ;  while  so  engaged, 
they  can  be  approached  more  easily  in  a  boat  than  on  the 
shore,  and  as  they  often  settle  very  near  each  other,  great  num- 
bers are  shot  down.  Their  breeding  places  must  extend  from 
the  northern  shore  of  Lake  Superior  to  the  coast  of  the  Arctic 
Sea,  but  their  nest  and  eggs  have  not  yet  been  described.  In 
July,  they  return  with  their  families,  and  are  considered  a  great 
luxury  for  the  table.  They  find  abundance  of  food,  by  insert- 
ing their  bills  in  the  ground  and  drawing  out  the  larvae  of  wa- 
ter insects,  which  are  hidden  below.  They  also  make  use  of 
some  plants  and  seeds  ;  and,  like  many  other  birds,  swallow 
gravel  to  aid  in  disposing  of  their  food. 

The  AMERICAN  SNIPE,  Scolopax  Wilsonii,  was  first  shown 
by  Wilson  to  be  different  from  that  of  Europe,  and  is  therefore 
honored  with  his  celebrated  name.  It  is  well  known  to  sports- 
men, who  take  advantage  of  its  local  attachment,  and  by  ascer- 
taining its  favorite  resorts,  are  able  to  shoot  large  numbers. 
They  arrive  early  in  the  spring,  from  their  winter  quarters  in 
the  south,  and  are  found  on  meadows  and  low  grounds,  when, 
at  evening  and  early  in  the  morning,  their  peculiar  murmur, 
which  cannot  be  described  by  words,  is  heard  proceeding  from 
these  birds,  soaring  high-  in  the  air.  It  does  not  seem  to  be 
owing  to  the  beating  of  the  wings,  as  one  might  suppose  from 
the  sound ;  it  is,  no  doubt,  a  call  of  love,  since  after  the  time 
of  incubation  ceases,  it  is  heard  no  more  for  the  season.  This 
bird  breeds  in  soft  marshes,  where  man  cannot  easily  disturb 
it,  laying  its  eggs  in  a  hollow,  loosely  lined  with  grass.  They 
are  four  in  number,  of  a  yellow  olive,  speckled  with  light  and 
dark  brown.  The  young  leave  the  nest  as  soon  as  hatched. 
Their  bill  is,  for  some  time,  soft  and  easily  bent ;  meantime 
they  feed  on  small  insects,  such  as  lie  on  the  surface  of  the 
wet  soil ;  as  they  grow  older,  they  learn,  like  their  parents,  to 
strike  the  bill  firmly  into  the  ground.  When  one  of  them 
alights,  it  listens  to  see  that  all  is  safe,  then  strikes  its  bill  into 
the  ground  several  times,  in  quick  succession,  till  it  is  satisfied, 
when  it  lies  close  till  the  evening.  Their  security  and  de- 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  373 

fence  generally  consist  in  lying  still.  When  suddenly  start- 
led, they  fly  in  a  zig-zag  course,  to  elude  the  aim  of  the  fowler, 
and  it  is  so  difficult  to  shoot  them,  that  they  are  most  frequent- 
ly caught  in  snares.  Their  food  consisting  of  insects,  ground 
worms,  and  juicy  roots,  they  grow  fat,  and  are  in  great  demand 
for  the  table.  Many  epicures  are  said  to  eat  the  bird  with  all 
that  is  in  it  when  killed,  making  no  selection ;  but,  inasmuch 
as  leeches  are  part  of  its  fare,  and  are  not  considered  luxurious 
food  for  man,  it  is  as  well  to  eat  this  game  with  more  discrimi- 
nation, and  less  gastronomical  taste. 

The  AMERICAN  WOODCOCK,  Rusticola  minor,  is  a  very  com- 
mon bird,  but  not  often  seen  in  the  fields,  except  by  sportsmen, 
because  of  their  nocturnal  habits,  in  which  they  exceed  the 
snipe,  hardly  ever  flying  in  the  day  time,  and  travelling  and 
feeding  almost  exclusively  by  night.  They  remain  in  woods 
and  thickets  till  evening,  when  they  proceed  to  the  broken  soil 
in  search  of  worms  and  insects,  and  leave  perforations  made  by 
their  bills  in  the  soft  ground,  showing  where  they  have  been. 
They  have  such  delicacy  of  perception,  by  means  of  the  bill, 
that  they  make  but  little  use  of  the  eyes  in  feeding  ;  they 
plunge  their  bills  up  to  the  nostrils,  and  suck  up  their  prey. 
The  eyes  of  this  bird  are  placed  high,  and  far  back  in  the 
head,  probably  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  enemies  at  a  distance, 
and  watching  their  motions,  without  betraying  the  place  where 
it  lies,  by  any  movement  on  its  own  part. 

The  woodcock  returns  from  the  south  very  early  in  the 
spring,  and  soon  after  selects  a  breeding  place  in  the  woods, 
where  the  nest  is  set  on  the  ground,  and  formed  of  dry  grass 
and  leaves.  The  eggs  are  four,  of  a  yellowish  clay  color,  and 
marked  with  blotches  of  purple  and  dark  brown.  The  young 
leave  the  nest  as  soon  as  hatched,  but  three  or  four  weeks 
elapse,  before  they  are  able  to  fly.  During  the  time  of  incuba- 
tion, the  male  rises  in  a  spiral  flight,  after  the  manner  of  the 
snipe,  making  a  hurried  sound  as  he  ascends,  which  increases 
as  he  descends,  when  it  becomes  loud  and  sweet.  When  he 
touches  the  ground,  he  makes  a  bleating  sound  with  a  forward 


374  BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

movement  of  the  body,  and  then  waits  to  see  if  his  call  is  an- 
swered. The  woodcock,  unlike  the  snipe,  which  never  flies 
through  the  woods,  often  goes  into  the  depth  of  the  forest,  and 
turns  over  the  dead  leaves  with  its  bill,  like  the  pigeon,  in 
search  of  the  insects  that  may  lie  below. 

Toward  the  last  of  October,  as  their  food  begins  to  fail,  the 
woodcocks  leave  the  interior,  and  move  toward  the  sea,  in 
preparation  for  their  migration  to  the  south.  They  take  the 
journey  in  the  evening,  not  in  flocks,  but  following  each  other, 
in  close  succession,  so  as  to  make  almost  an  unbroken  line. 
They  do  not  leave  the  coast,  however,  till  winter  begins. 
From  August  till  their  departure,  they  are  in  good  order  for 
the  table,  and  are  shot  in  great  numbers  by  those  who  are 
versed  in  this  kind  of  sporting.  In  Louisiana  they  are  killed 
by  men  with  torches,  which  the  birds  stand  gazing  upon,  till 
the  fowler  knocks  them  down  with  a  stick. 

The  VIRGINIAN  RAIL,  Rallus  VirginianuSj  spends  the  win- 
ter in  the  southern  states,  and  returns  to  us  in  May.  It  hides 
in  swamps  and  marshes,  in  the  day  time,  and  only  ventures 
abroad  at  night ;  but  it  feeds  both  by  night  and  day,  on  water 
insects,  worms  and  seeds.  It  is  extremely  swift  in  running, 
and  if  pursued  by  a  dog,  will  change  its  direction  so  often,  ris- 
ing on  its  wings  at  times,  that  he  soon  loses  its  track,  as  it  es- 
capes among  the  weeds.  When  on  the  wing,  it  can  be  shot, 
as  it  flies  low  and  heavily,  and  only  a  short  distance  at  a  time. 
The  nest  is  not  easily  found,  being  generally  placed  in  a  tuft, 
in  soft  meadows,  where  it  is  not  easy  for  a  man  to  go.  It  is  a 
little  raised  by  means  of  the  stalks  of  grasses,  with  a  shallow 
cavity,  lined  with  dry  weeds,  to  contain  the  eggs.  These  are 
from  four  to  seven  in  number,  of  a  dusky  white,  with  specks 
of  brown  red  and  pale  purple,  thickest  toward  the  larger  end. 
Dr.  Brewer  succeeded  in  finding  one  of  these  nests  in  a  small 
meadow  near  Jamaica  Plain,  and  within  a  few  yards  of  the 
Providence  rail-road. 

The  SORA    RAIL,  Rallus   Carolinus,  which  was  formerly 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  375 

thought  to  follow  the  example  of  the  swallow,  and  bury  itself 
in  the  mud  for  the  sake  of  passing  the  winter  pleasantly,  is  a 
rare  bird  in  Massachusetts.  Birds  of  passage,  on  their  way  to 
their  breeding  places  in  the  north,  move  on  with  very  little  de- 
lay ;  but  on  their  return,  having  nothing  but  the  fear  of  winter 
to  hasten  their  motions,  they  linger  till  their  instinct  warns 
them  that  the  last  minute  is  come.  It  is,  accordingly,  in  the 
autumn  only,  that  this  bird  has  been  seen  in  our  State.  The 
same  gentleman  who  ascertained  that  the  former  species  breeds 
here,  suspects  that  the  nests  of  the  other  rails  will  hereafter 
be  found ;  they  have  been  discovered  on  the  borders  of 
Lake  Champlain  and  the  North  River. 

The  YELLOW-BREASTED  RAIL,  Rallus  Noveboracensis,  is  also*? 
rare  here,  and  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States.  .  From  May 
to  September,  it  is  found  on  the  shores  of  Hudson's  Bay,  where 
it  breeds ;  and  on  its  return  to  winter  quarters,  probably  takes  an 
inland  route,  the  greater  proportion  avoiding  the  Atlantic  states. 
From  Audubon,  we  learn  that  only  a  few,  comparatively,  go  to 
the  north  ;  the  great  body  remain  in  the  extreme  southern  parts 
of  the  United  States  throughout  the  year. 

The  PURPLE  GALLINULE,  Gallinula  Martinica,  and  the 
Florida  Gallinule,  G.  galeata,  have  already  been  mentioned 
as  rare  and  accidental  visitors  in  the  State. 


LOBE-FOOTED    BIRDS. 

The  CINEREOUS  COOT,  Fulica  Americana ,  is  found  in  almost 
every  part  of  North  America,  seeming  to  have  little  choice  of 
climate  or  temperature,  and  to  regulate  its  migrations  by  the 
scarcity  or  abundance  of  food.  They  appear  among  us  in  early 
autumn,  and  remain  till  November,  when  they  leave  us  for  the 
south  by  night.  Their  food  consists  of  seeds,  grasses,  worms, 


376  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

snails  and  insects,  together  with  such  small  fish  as  they  catch 
upon  the  edges  of  the  water,  to  which  they  add  a  quanity  of 
gravel  and  coarse  sand.  They  are  not  seen  to  dive,  except 
when  wounded  ;  then  they  make  their  way  under  water  to  the 
grass  or  reeds,  and  then  swim  for  the  nearest  shore,  where,  not- 
withstanding the  awkward  appearance  of  their  legs  and  feet, 
they  walk  with  firmness,  and  run.  if  necessary,  with  great  ex- 
pedition. They  probably  breed  in  the  State  occasionally  ; 
Nuttall  mentions  that  a  pair  took  up  their  residence  in  Fresh 
pond  in  April,  and  in  June  were  seen  accompanied  by  their 
young  ;  but  their  nests  and  eggs  have  not  been  found  in  this, 
nor,  I  believe,  in  any  of  the  states  of  the  Union. 

The  RED  PHALAROPE.  Phalaropus  fu licarius,  visits  us  on  its 
return  from  the  north  in  autumn ;  but  they  are  seldom  seen  in 
Massachusetts.  Audubon  mentions  that  once,  when  sailing  in 
a  packet  sixty  miles  from  Nantucket,  the  vessel  encountered  a 
bed  of  seaweeds  and  froth,  on  which  were  hundreds  of  red 
phalaropes,  walking  with  as  much  ease  and  confidence  as  if  on 
shore. 

The  HYPERBOREAN  PHALAROPE,  Phalaropus  hyperboraeus^ 
is,  as  its  name  implies,  a  northern  bird,  seldom  seen  farther 
south  than  New  York.  Dr.  Brewer  tells  me  that  he  has  pro- 
cured them  here  in  May,  but  they  are  more  abundant  toward 
the  Bay  of  Fundy.  None  are  seen  in  the  interior ;  and  they 
are  found  in  the  greatest  numbers  on  the  banks  of  seaweed, 
floating  on  the  ocean,  at  great  distances  from  the  shore. 

WILSON'S  PHALAROPE,  Phalaropus  Wilsonii,  is  a  rare  visiter, 
which,  Dr.  Brewer  tells  me,  I  may  insert  on  the  authority  of 
Audubon,  who  has  found  it  in  various  places  along  the  eastern 
coast,  from  Boston  to  New  Jersey ;  but  it  is  not  sufficiently 
common  to  have  its  history  well  understood. 

The  CRESTED  GREBE,  Podiceps  cristatus,  is  a  bird  which 
breeds  in  the  fur  countries,  and  is  seen  here  late  in  the  season 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  377 

on  its  return  to  the  south  ;  but  while  some  proceed  by  the 
coast,  more  seem  to  follow  the  course  of  the  great  rivers,  since 
they  are  seen  in  great  numbers  in  the  western  states,  flying  at 
all  hours  of  the  day.  From  their  alertness  in  diving,  by  which 
they  often  elude  the  aim  of  the  fowler,  they  are  called  Dippers ; 
when  pursued,  they  keep  only  the  bill  above  water  ;  and  Au- 
dubon  says  that  they  are  easily  caught  when  in  ponds,  by  hooks 
placed  on  lines  near  the  ground. 

The  RED-NECKED  GREBE,  Podiceps  rubricollis.  is  found  along 
the  coast  from  New  York  to  Maine,  in  winter.  In  the  fur 
countries,  they  are  common  in  the  breeding  season.  Dr.  Brewer 
tells  me  that  he  has  procured  them  here  in  the  winter,  which, 
unlike  the  former,  they  spend  in  the  eastern  states. 

The  HORNED  GREBE,  Podiceps  cornutus,  returns  from  the 
north  in  October,  when  it  is  seen  in  Massachusetts.  Dr. 
Brewer  classes  it  with  those  that  spend  the  winter  here  ;  but 
the  greater  proportion  must  go  on,  since  they  are  common  at 
that  season,  on  the  southern  inlets  and  rivers.  While  here, 
they  keep  in  the  salt  water,  diving  with  great  celerity,  and 
soon  becoming  so  familiar  with  the  gun,  as  to  hide  underwater 
whenever  they  hear  it.  Nuttall  mentions  that  the  stomach  of 
those  which  he  has  opened  has  generally  contained  quantities 
of  their  own  feathers,  plucked  from  the  breast  and  swallowed. 
Audubon  says  the  stomach  contains  hair-like  substances  rolled 
together  like  the  pellets  of  owls  ;  particulars  which  require  more 
explanation  than  our  present  acquaintance  with  their  habits 
enables  any  naturalist  to  give. 

The  PIED-BILLED  GREBE,  or  DOBCHICK,  Podiceps  Carolinensis, 
comes  to  us  from  the  north  early  in  autumn,  and  remains  till 
the  approach  of  winter.  Those  found  here  are  generally  young. 
Their  food  consists  of  plants,  seeds,  water  insects  and  small 
fish,  together  with  which  they  swallow  gravel.  In  the  gizzards 
of  some  which  Audubon  examined,  he  found  collections  like 
those  just  mentioned,  which  consisted  of  the  down  of  thistles 
48 


378  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

and  other  plants,  which  had  been  swallowed  together  with  the 
seed.  These  birds  dive  with  great  quickness,  and  use  their 
wings  under  water  ;  they  sink  so  gently  as  to  leave  no  ripple 
showing  where  they  went  down,  nothing  but  the  small  end  of 
the  bill  remains  above,  and  this  easily  escapes  observation,  par- 
ticularly among  the  bulrushes,  to  which  they  resort  when 
alarmed.  Nothing  was  known  of  their  nests,  till  Audubon 
found  one  near  the  banks  of  the  Wabash  River.  None  have 
ever  been  found  in  this  State. 


WEB-FOOTED    BIRDS. 

The  CAYENNE  TERN,  Sterna  Cayana,  is  common  at  the  south, 
where  it  breeds.  Audubcn  also  found  it  breeding  at  Labrador  ; 
so  that,  although  none  have  yet  been  seen  here,  they  must  pass 
by  us,  and  will  probably  be  found  to  touch  upon  the  coast  of 
our  State. 

The  COMMON  TERN,  Sterna  hirundo,  is  common  on  our 
coast,  where  it  bears  the  name  of  Mackerel  Gull,  from  its  being 
supposed  to  announce  the  arrival  of  that  fish  in  its  summer 
quarters.  In  May,  they  prepare,  if  it  can  be  called  prepar- 
ing, a  nest  on  some  rocky  islet  or  sand  bar,  where  their  eggs, 
are  laid,  with  only  a  little  sand  scraped  up  to  keep  them  in 
place  ;  and  in  all  pleasant  days  are  left  to  be  warmed  by  the 
sun,  the  female  sitting  only  at  night  and  in  foul  weather.  The 
eggs  are  of  dull  yellowish  olive,  with  dark  brown  specks  and 
blotches.  The  parents,  though  they  appear  so  careless  of  their 
domestic  establishment,  watch  over  it  with  anxious  vigilance, 
and  are  very  bold  in  resisting  intrusion.  They  breed  at  Egg  rock 
near  Nahant.  When  the  young  are  first  hatched,  they  tear  fish  in 
pieces  to  feed  them ;  afterwards  they  drop  the  fish  among 
them,  where  it  is  seized  by  the  strongest ;  but  they  find  other 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  379 

resources  in  the  insects  which  they  collect  for  themselves,  ram- 
bling near  the  spot,  but  always  attending  to  the  voice  of  the 
old  bird,  when  it  warns  them  that  danger  is  nigh.  In  winter 
they  migrate  to  warmer  regions. 

The  ROSEATE  TERN,  Sterna  Dougalli,  has  received  its 
popular  name  from  the  color  of  the  breast,  which,  however, 
soon  fades  after  death.  Audubon  found  them  in  great  num- 
bers, breeding,  on  the  Keys  of  Florida,  and  Nuttall  procured 
one  specimen  at  Chelsea  Beach.  Its  eastern  visit  was  probably 
accidental. 

The  SILVERY  TERN,  Sterna  minuta,  the  same  with  the  Les- 
ser Tern  of  Wilson,  comes  to  us  in  the  spring,  later  than  the 
preceding.  It  is  not  uncommon  on  our  shores,  where  it  is 
seen  dashing  into  the  water,  like  a  little  fish-hawk,  to  secure  its 
prey,  or  chasing  insects  over  the  pools  and  marshes.  It  some- 
times goes  into  the  interior,  and  has  been  found  at  a  great  dis- 
tance from  the  sea.  They  are  generally  careless  and  unsuspi- 
cious, and  pay  little  regard  to  an  observer. 

BONAPARTE'S  GULL,  Larus  Bonapartii,  is  seen  occasionally, 
early  in  autumn,  on  the  coast  of  this  State,  and  its  whistling  is 
heard  in  the  air,  as  it  proceeds  to  the  south  or  inland,  to  feed. 

The  KITTIWAKE  GULL,  Larus  tridactylus,  is  common  along 
the  coast,  from  New  York  to  Eastport,  though  never  seen  in 
the  interior.  Audubon  found  it  in  great  abundance  on  some 
of  the  islands  in  Boston  harbor.  In  the  air,  its  motions  are 
light,  bold  and  graceful,  sweeping  in  broad  circles  at  an  im- 
mense height  in  the  air,  then  stooping  downwards  to  rest  upon 
the  waves.  It  is  so  awkward  on  the  ground,  that  it  can  hard- 
ly walk ;  and  it  gathers  its"  food,  even  the  shell-fish  from  the 
sands,  while  on  the  wing. 

The  COMMON  GULL,  Larus  zonorhyncus,  is  quite  abundant 
on  our  coast,  but  it  understands  the  danger  of  too  near  ap- 


380  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

proach  to  man,  and  keeps,  as  much  as  possible,  out  of  his 
reach.  It  floats  gracefully  in  the  air,  till  something  attracts  its 
attention,  when  it  descends  in  a  spiral  curve,  and  seizing  a 
fish,  flies  off,  alights  and  swallows  it  at  leisure.  When  satis- 
fied with  food,  they  rest  themselves  by  swimming  in  parties  on 
the  waves,  their  white  plumage  contrasting  strongly  with  the 
deep  green  of  the  sea.  When  spring  has  commenced,  the  gulls 
assemble  in  flocks,  on  flats  and  beaches,  arid  when  paired,  fly 
off  to  their  breeding  places,  which  Audubon  found  in  great 
numbers  in  Labrador,  and  the  eastern  part  of  Maine.  Part  of 
their  food  consists  of  shell-fish,  which,  being  unable  otherwise 
to  break  the  shell,  they  are  said  to  carry  high  into  the  air,  and 
to  let  them  fall  on  the  rocks  below. 

The  SILVERY  GULL,  Larus  fuscus,  is  found  on  our  coasts  in 
winter,  and  is  said  to  breed,  both  in  the  northern  regions,  and 
in  islands  near  South  Carolina. 

The  HERRING  GULL,  Larus  argentatus,  is,  according  to  Dr. 
Brewer,  the  most  common  species  in  the  State.  Audubon 
found  them  breeding  at  an  island  in  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  where 
he  was  assured  that,  formerly,  all  made  their  nests,  like  other 
seabirds,  on  the  ground  j  but  finding  that  they  were  often  dis- 
turbed by  intrusive  visiters,  they  had,  many  of  them,  adopted 
the  practice  of  building  in  trees,  a  reach  of  sagacity  one  would 
hardly  have  expected  from  such  a  quarter.  The  younger  ones 
still  build  on  the  earth ;  but,  while  those  which  are  hatched 
below  run  about  in  a  few  days,  those  which  are  in  the  trees, 
do  not  undertake  to  leave  their  nests  till  they  are  able  to  fly. 
The  same  distinguished  ornithologist  saw  one  of  these  birds 
which  had  taken  a  very  hard  shell-fish,  carry  it  into  the  air 
and  let  it  fall  without  effect ;  it  tried  the  experiment  again, 
and  yet  a  third  time,  when  it  succeeded ;  the  gull,  after  each 
failure,  carrying  it  higher  than  before.  Much  of  their  food 
consists  of  herrings,  which  they  catch  by  following  the  shoals  ; 
they  sometimes  feed  on  small  birds,  and  suck  all  the  eggs  they 
can  find. 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  381 

The  WHITE-WINGED  GULL.  Larus  leucopterus,  is  inserted  on 
the  authority  of  Dr.  Brewer,  who  has  obtained  it  near  Boston. 
It  is  not  found  farther  south  than  New  York.  Its  flight  resem- 
bles that  of  the  preceding  species,  but  it  differs  from  it  in  size 
and  markings,  as  well  as  in  its  greater  fearlessness  of  man.  It 
breeds  in  the  high  northern  regions. 

The  BLACK-BACKED  GULL,  Larus  marinus,  is  inserted  on 
the  authority  of  the  gentleman  just  mentioned,  who  has  found 
it  in  Boston  harbor.  It  is  a  large  and  powerful  bird,  and 
though  shy  and  timid  towards  man,  is  very  oppressive  to  other 
sea-birds.  It  devours  voraciously  all  sorts  of  food  except  vege- 
tables, even  in  the  last  stages  of  decay,  but  young  birds  and 
fish  are  its  favorite  food.  The  fish  are  caught  as  it  flies,  and 
if  not  too  large,  swallowed  without  suspending  its  flight.  It 
makes  great  consternation  among  the  sea-fowl,  by  sucking  their 
eggs,  without  regard  to  the  remonstrances  of  the  owners. 
When  young  ducks  are  on  the  water,  they  seize  them,  none 
except  the  eider  having  courage  to  resist ;  they  sometimes 
plunge  after  fish  in  a  considerable  depth  of  water,  but  have  no 
facility  in  diving.  These  birds,  powerful  as  their  flight  is,  do 
not  go  very  far  to  the  north  to  breed,  nor  are  their  breeding 
places  found  more  toward  the  south  than  the  eastern  extremity 
of  Maine.  They  do  not  go  into  the  interior,  except  on  the 
great  lakes  ;  they  appear  to  rejoice  in  the  storms  of  the  ocean, 
having  power  to  force  their  way  against  the  heaviest  wind. 

The  SKUA  GULL,  Lestris  catarractes,  called  by  Linnseus  the 
cataract  yager,  from  the  manner  in  which  it  darts  down  upon 
its  prey,  is  a  bird  belonging  to  high  northern  latitudes,  but  in 
the  depth  of  winter  it  comes  as  far  south  as  Massachusetts.  It 
is  a  strong  and  daring  bird,  and  though  considerably  less  in  size 
than  the  preceding,  readily  attacks  and  puts  him  to  flight.  If 
its  nest  is  disturbed,  it  is  completely  insensible  to  danger,  and 
gives  battle  at  once,  not  only  to  all  other  animals,  but  even  to 
man.  Having  all  the  rapacious  habits  of  the  gulls,  with  all 


382  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

this  strength  and  courage,  it  is  considered  by  other  birds  as  the 
pirate  of  the  shores. 

RICHARDSON'S  JAGER,  Lestris  Richardsonii,  visits  the  coast 
of  Massachusetts  and  Maine,  in  the  winter  season,  when  it  is 
seen  on  the  inland  bays  about  Boston,  flying  in  pairs,  or  sitting 
on  the  water.  Its  flight  is  firm  and  long  continued,  and  it  takes 
advantage  of  it  to  pursue  other  sea-birds,  and  force  them  to 
disgorge  their  prey.  It  breeds  in  the  fur  countries,  but,  res- 
pecting its  habits  at  that  season,  very  little  is  known.  Audu- 
bon  has  doubts  whether  it  is  a  distinct  species  from  the  one 
which  follows. 

The  ARCTIC  JAGER,  Lestris  parasiticus,  inhabits  the  north- 
ern sea  shores  in  summer,  and  in  winter  is  found  in  Florida. 
It  resembles  the  preceding  in  its  habits  of  plundering  other 
birds  of  the  fruit  of  their  labors.  By  means  of  its  long  tail,  it 
can  suddenly  check  its  flight  or  change  its  direction,  so  that 
the  victims  of  its  oppression  cannot  escape  its  pursuit. 

The  POMARINE  JAGER,  Lestris  pomarinus,  is  a  bird  which 
Audubon  never  had  the  opportunity  of  examining  till  he  went 
to  Labrador,  but  Dr.  Brewer  has  obtained  it  in  Massachusetts 
bay,  and  thus  authorized  us  to  claim  it  as  a  visiter  of  the  State. 
So  far  as  its  habits  are  ascertained,  they  are  like  those  of  other 
gulls,  but  its  history  is  very  imperfectly  known. 

The  STORMY  PETREL,  Thalassidroma  Wilsonii,  is  Ibund  on 
almost  all  the  Atlantic,  and  known  to  seamen,  who  look  upon 
it  with  very  little  affection,  by  the  name  of  Mother  Carey's 
chicken.  It  follows  the  vessel  in  its  course  through  the  deep, 
not  caring  whither  it  goes,  and  when  the  tempest  rises,  seerns 
so  indifferent  to  its  raging,  or  rather  to  enjoy  it  so  much,  that 
the  superstitious  formerly  believed  that  this  harmless  bird  had 
some  agency  in  raising  the  storms.  It  is  called  the  Petrel,  from 
its  walking,  like  the  apostle  Peter,  on  the  surface  of  the  water, 
where  it  gathers  any  food  that  may  be  thrown  from  the  vessel 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  383 

which  it  pursues.  After  it  grows  dark  it  rests  on  the  water  for 
the  night;  but  on  the  following  morning,  easily  overtakes  the 
vessel  that  has  left  it  behind.  In  general  it  is  rather  silent, 
but  at  times  it  makes  a  low  sound,  as  if  asking  the  seaman  to 
throw  it  out  some  food.  It  usually  subsists  on  resources  sup- 
plied by  its  favorite  element,  the  sea. 

The  FORK  TAILED  PETREL,  Thalassidroma  Leachii,  was 
said  by  Bonaparte,  to  be  uncommon  on  the  American  shores  ; 
but  Audubon  declares  that  on  the  coast  of  Massachusetts,  this 
is  much  more  abundant  than  the  other  species.  On  approach- 
ing land,  when  returning  from  Europe,  he  shot  a  number  of 
those  that  surrounded  the  vessel,  and  found  among  them  speci- 
mens of  all  the  three.  This  is  the  most  suspicious,  never  fly- 
ing close  to  the  vessel  like  the  others  ;  it  is  not  known  to 
alight  on  the  rigging,  and  rests  less  frequently  upon  the  water. 
But  its  food  is  the  same,  consisting  of  such  small  fish  and  crus- 
tacea  as  it  can  pick  up  from  floating  seaweed  on  the  water,  or 
oily  substances  thrown  from  vessels  into  the  sea.  These  birds 
are  able  to  bear  considerable  abstinence,  but  everything  which 
they  swallow,  seems  to  be  turned  to  oil,  and  their  flesh  is  rank 
and  unpleasant  to  the  taste.  They  are  found  breeding  in  the 
fissures  of  rocks,  above  the  reach  of  the  spray,  while  the  pre- 
ceding burrows  in  the  sand  on  low  islands.  Though  this  bird 
seems  so  bound  to  the  ocean,  by  all  its  habits  and  wants,  I 
have  had  one  brought  to  me  which  was  taken  near  Chicopee 
river  in  Springfield,  seventy  miles  from  the  shore. 

The  FULMAR  PETREL,  Procellaria  glacialis,  has  been  found 
by  Andubon  from  Long  Island  to  Newfoundland,  but  I  do  not 
know  that  any  one  has,  as  yet,  been  taken  within  the  State. 
This  is  the  bird  so  well  known  as  the  main  dependence  of  the 
singular  inhabitants  of  St.  Kilda,  one  of  the  western  isles  of 
Scotland. 

The  SNOW  GOOSE,  Anser  hyperboreus,  breeds  in  Arctic  Amer- 
ica, resorting  to  the  sandy  shores  of  lakes  and  rivers.  They 


384  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

are  so  cautious  as  to  station  one  of  their  number  as  a  sentinel, 
to  warn  them  of  approaching  danger.  They  return  with  their 
families  in  September,  after  which  they  are  occasionally  seen 
in  Massachusetts  bay.  They  are  very  noisy,  and  their  note  is 
distinguished  from  that  of  the  common  wild  goose,  by  its 
greater  shrillness.  Their  flesh  is  said  to  be  better  than  that  of 
the  latter  species.  As  the  cold  grows  severe,  they  leave  us  for 
their  winter  quarters. 

The  CANADA  GOOSE,  Anser  Canadensis,  is  well  known  in 
Massachusetts,  as  one  of  the  heralds  of  spring.  Their  spring 
migration  appears  always  determined  by  the  advance  of  the 
season,  and  the  melting  of  the  snow,  which  discloses  a  supply 
of  grass  and  berries,  uninjured  by  the  frost,  and  ready  as  a  re- 
source for  food.  Their  arrival  is  most  welcome  in  the  fur  coun- 
tries, where  the  aborigines  depend  upon  them  for  their  subsist- 
ence in  summer.  The  hunter  sets  up  stuffed  birds  as  a  decoy, 
and  imitates  their  call ;  thus  bringing  them  within  his  reach, 
he  destroys  them  in  great  numbers.  But  while  the  great  pro- 
portion go  to  the  north  to  breed,  Audubon  assures  us,  that 
many  remain  and  breed  ;  some,  he  says,  in  pools  in  the  eastern 
parts  of  Maine  and  Massachusetts,  so  that  he  thinks  it  entitled 
to  be  set  down  as  a  permanent  resident  within  the  Union. 
Farther  north,  they  become  more  numerous,  and  in  Labrador, 
their  nests  abound  in  every  marshy  plain. 

When  the  young  have  become  large,  and  sufficiently  prac- 
tised in  flying,  they  prepare  for  their  return.  On  the  first  ap- 
pearance of  snow,  the  ganders  arrange  the  flocks  in  order  of 
flight,  the  old  males  in  front,  the  females  next,  and  the  young 
after  them,  the  weakest  behind  ;  and  thus  they  set  forth,  some- 
times with  an  extended  front,  sometimes  in  single  file,  but 
generally  in  a  sharp  angle,  with  an  old  gander  at  the  head. 
When  any  one  is  fatigued,  he  falls  back  in  the  wake  of  anoth- 
er, who  cleaves  the  air  before  him ;  the  leader  at  times  gives 
out  a  loud  cry  of  encouragement,  or  command,  which  is  an- 
swered from  various  parts  of  the  line.  They  fly  with  great 
strength  and  steadiness,  at  a  great  height  in  the  air,  if  they 


BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  385 

have  far  to  go  ;  but  when  doubtful  of  the  season,  they  fly 
lower,  and  are  often  bewildered  in  fogs  and  snow  storms,  so  as 
to  come  to  the  ground  stupified,  and  to  submit  quietly  to  their 
fate.  They  are  so  much  alive  to  changes  of  temperature,  that, 
when  they  are  seen  returning  over  their  line  of  march,  it  indi- 
cates that  a  change  of  weather  is  nigh. 

When  they  alight  in  some  place  where  they  intend  to  pass 
the  night,  they  crop  the  grass  sidewise,  like  the  domestic 
goose,  or  pat  the  ground  with  both  feet  to  force  the  worms  out 
of  it.  Sometimes  they  alight  in  Corn-fields,  where  they  do 
considerable  damage  ;  sometimes  in  the  water,  where  they 
plunge  their  heads  to  the  bottom  in  search  of  food.  They  al- 
ways keep  sentinels  stationed,  who,  at  the  approach  of  cattle, 
are  silent ;  but  if  a  bear,  or  panther,  or  worse  than  all,  a  man 
comes  nigh,  the  alarm  is  given,  and  all  glide  into  the  nearest 
water  and  swim  to  a  distance  from  the  shore.  Their  sense  of 
hearing  is  wonderfully  quick  and  discerning  ;  they  can  at  once 
distinguish  a  sound  made  by  man. 

The  crossing  of  the  breed  of  the  wild  with  the  tame  goose, 
as  in  the  case  of  the  turkey,  has  been  attended  with  much  ad- 
vantage ;  the  hybrid  being  larger  and  more  easily  fattened, 
brings  a  higher  price  than  either  of  the  species  from  which  it 
is  descended.  The  difficulty  in  the  way  of  keeping  the  Cana- 
da goose,  is.  that  it  does  not  multiply  as  in  the  wild  state  ;  but, 
though  it  requires  time  to  eflect  a  considerable  change  in  its 
habits,  a  persevering  attempt  at  domestication  would  probably 
succeed.  In  some  cases,  it  has  succeeded  already  ;  but  when 
flocks  are  passing  over,  it  answers  their  call,  and  seems  strong- 
ly tempted  to  return  to  the  savage  state. 

The  BARNACLE  GOOSE,  Anser  leucopsis,  is  said  by  the  gun- 
ners on  the  coast,  to  be  shot  in  this  State.  Audubon  never 
met  with  it.  Nuttall  speaks  of  it  as  a  straggler  on  our  coast. 

HUTCHINS'  GOOSE,  Anser  Hutchinsii,  is  inserted  on  the  same 
authority.     They  call  it  the  Flight,  or  Winter  Goose.     It  re- 
sembles the  common  wild  goose,  except  that  it  is  less  in  size. 
49 


386  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  BRANT  GOOSE,  Anser  bernicla,  a  bird  well  known  in 
our  markets,  breeds  on  the  coasts  of  Hudson's  Bay  and  the 
northern  ocean,  and  spends  the  winter  in  the  southern  states. 
Early  in  October,  they  arrive  in  large  numbers,  some  in  order 
of  march,  others  in  noisy  confusion,  and  make  little  more  stay 
than  is  necessary  for  resting,  after  their  long  flight.  But  flocks 
continue  to  follow  each  other  in  long  succession,  and  the  gun- 
ners secure  considerable  numbers.  In  spring  they  return,  but 
their  stay  is  still  shorter,  and  their  flesh  very  uninviting ;  in 
winter  it  is  more  valued,  but  has  a  fishy  taste  at  best. 

The  SHOVELER,  Anas  clypeata,  which  is  considered  one  of 
the  greatest  luxuries  of  the  table,  belongs  to  the  northern  part 
of  the  continent,  but  sometimes  visits  our  coast,  and  still  more 
frequently  our  lakes  and  rivers,  in  the  declining  year.  Were 
it  not  for  the  great  bill,  this  would  be  a  handsome  bird.  It 
draws  in  the  watery  mud  through  the  teeth  of  its  bill,  which 
fit  into  each  other,  forming  a  sort  of  sieve,  by  which  it  throws 
out  the  water,  and  retains  the  worms,  seeds,  and  insects  for  its 
food.  It  is  sometimes  found  in  the  Boston  market,  brought 
from  the  ponds  in  the  vicinity. 

The  MALLARD  DUCK,  Anas  boschas,  is  our  common  duck  in 
its  wild  state.  It  is  common  at  the  south,  but  not  so  in  Mas- 
sachusetts, where  it  is  very  rare,  and  beyond  Portland  it  is  not 
known.  The  reason  is,  that  this  duck,  instead  of  resorting  to 
the  seacoast,  is  partial  to  lakes  and  rivers.  They  are  most 
abundant  in  the  western  states,  where  many  of  them  remain, 
and  breed.  As  they  come  from  the  great  lakes,  they  spread 
themselves  over  those  regions,  resorting  to  meadows,  swamps, 
and  thick  beech  woods.  In  the  wild  state,  they  are  strongly 
contrasted  with  the  domesticated,  in  the  spirit  and  animation 
of  their  movements  ;  their  flight  is  wonderfully  swift  and  well 
sustained,  while  the  wings  of  the  common  duck  hardly  lift  it 
from  the  ground.  The  squatters  of  the  Mississippi  catch  many 
of  the  mallards  when  young,  and  they  are  sufficiently  tame  by 
the  end  of  the  first  year.  The  young  of  those  thus  caught, 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  387 

are  for  a  year  or  two,  superior  to  the  wild  ones,  but  soon  be- 
come like  the  common  ducks  of  the  barnyard.  The  hybrids 
raised  between  the  Mallard  and  Muscovy,  are  said  to  be  large 
and  afford  excellent  eating. 

The  mallard  has  many  of  the  properties  of  a  nocturnal  bird, 
feeding  and  travelling  more  by  night  than  by  day.  In  the 
dark,  their  flight  is  distinguished  by  the  whistling  of  their 
wings.  They  generally  arrange  themselves  in  the  wedge 
form  to  go  to  any  distance,  and  never  alight  on  any  spot  till 
they  have  wheeled  several  times  round  it,  to  ascertain  whether 
it  is  safe  to  take  possession  ;  except  when  under  the  command 
of  an  experienced  leader,  who  judges  at  once  of  the  presence 
of  danger,  and  if  he  suspects  none,  strikes  down  without 
hesitation  upon  the  water.  They  then  begin  to  bathe  and 
dress  themselves  before  they  go  to  the  shore  for  food.  After 
this  ceremony  is  over,  some  explore  the  mud  for  leeches,  frogs, 
or  lizards ;  others  go  into  the  woods  for  beechnuts  and  acorns, 
moving  round  with  prodigious  cackling.  If  they  hear  a  sound, 
they  know  whether  it  is  made  by  animals  or  not ;  if  it  is, 
they  go  on  with  their  employment ;  but  if  it  denotes  that  man 
is  at  hand,  they  glide  into  the  water,  and  put  off  to  what  they 
consider  a  safe  distance  from  the  shore. 

The  food  of  the  mallard  consists  of  small  fish,  snails,  water 
insects  and  plants,  in  fact,  hardly  anything  seems  to  come 
amiss.  It  delights  in  nuts  and  fruits,  soon  fattens  on  rice  and 
other  grain,  and  has  an  appetite  for  food  which  any  other  bird 
would  regard  as  entirely  uneatable.  The  young,  when  raised, 
thrive  on  chopped  fish.  The  mallard  has  the  habit  of  patting 
the  ground  with  its  feet  to  force  worms  out  of  their  burrows. 

The  GREY  DUCK  or  GADWALE,  Anas  strepera,  is  an  inhabi- 
tant of  northern  regions,  and  is  believed  to  be  rare  in  the  United 
States.  Wilson  found  it  in  New  York  and  Kentucky,  and 
some  of  the  young  birds  are  seen  at  times  in  the  vicinity  of 
Boston. 

The  PINTAIL  DUCK,  Anas  acuta,  is  very  abundant  in  some 
of  the  western  states,  but  seldom  seen  on  the  coast,  and  never 


388  BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

farther  eastward  than  Massachusetts.  It  breeds  in  the  fur 
countries,  but  on  its  return,  follows  the  coast  of  the  great  wes- 
tern rivers,  and  is  so  much  a  stranger  to  the  coast,  that  it  must 
be  regarded  as  an  inland  bird.  It  arrives  from  the  north  in 
autumn,  in  good  condition,  and  resorts  to  ponds  and  streams, 
where  it  feeds  on  tadpoles,  leeches,  and  beechnuts,  should  they 
happen  to  abound.  It  is  graceful  in  its  motions  on  the  watery 
and  Audubon  says  that  its  notes  are  soft  and  pleasant,  not  re- 
sembling those  of  the  mallard,  to  which  they  are  often  com- 
pared. 

The  AMERICAN  WIDGEON,  Anas  Americana,  breeds  in  the 
fur  countries,  and,  on  its  return,  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the 
Union.  About  Chesapeake  Bay,  it  is  a  companion  rather  than 
friend  of  the  canvass-back,  which  dives  for  the  plants  on  which 
it  feeds.  The  widgeon,  which  likes  the  plant,  but  not  the 
diving,  watches  the  moment  of  the  canvass-back's  rising,  and 
before  its  eyes  are  fairly  opened,  it  snatches  the  plant  from 
its  mouth  and  makes  off  with  it.  The  widgeon  is  found  in 
the  interior,  as  well  as  on  the  coast ;  many  spend  the  winter  in 
the  southern  states. 

The  DUSKY  DUCK,  Anas  obscura,  sometimes  called  the  black 
duck,  is,  as  Dr.  Brewer  informs  me,  the  most  common  of  all 
the  species  in  the  neighborhood  of  Boston.  They  are  met 
with  on  the  coast,  from  Florida  to  Labrador,  but  are  not  found 
in  the  high  northern  regions.  They  frequent  salt  marshes  as 
well  as  inland  waters,  and  their  food  consists  of  small  shellfish 
and  seeds.  In  the  daytime,  they  are  retired  and  shy ;  but  on 
the  report  of  a  gun,  they  rise  in  great  numbers  and  disperse  in 
alt  directions.  They  fly  high  in  calm  weather,  and  low  when 
the  wind  blows  hard,  when  the  gunners  conceal  themselves  in 
the  grass  and  shoot  them  down.  Their  flesh  is  said  to  be  equal 
to  that  of  the  other  ducks,  when  they  have  been  well  fed,  but 
it  generally  has  something  of  the  flavor  of  its  food.  This  bird 
breeds  in  this  State  in  fresh  water  marshes  and  on  sea  islands  ; 
the  eggs  are  eight  or  ten  in  number,  resembling  those  of  the 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  389 

domestic  duck.     Great  numbers  however  proceed  beyond  our 
borders. 

The  WOOD  or  SUMMER  DUCK,  Anas  sponsa,  is  a  most  beau- 
tiful bird,  which  makes  its  home  in  Massachusetts,  in  quiet 
retreats  near  ponds  and  rivers,  where  some  of  them  spend  the 
winter.  They  seldom  visit  the  coast,  but  prefer  the  fresh 
water,  their  food  consisting  of  grapes,  beechnuts,  acorns,  and 
such  berries  as  are  found  in  the  vicinity  of  ponds  and  streams. 
They  also  eat  tadpoles  and  water  insects,  reaching  their  necks 
into  the  water  to  secure  them,  after  the  manner  of  the  mallard. 
On  the  ground  they  run  fast ;  they  also  move  with  firmness  on 
the  larger  branches  of  trees.  They  swim  and  dive  well,  often 
stopping  near  the  edge  of  the  water,  with  nothing  except  the 
bill  above  j  but  often,  when  alarmed,  they  run  into  the  depths 
of  the  wood.  Their  sense  of  hearing  is  very  delicate,  and  aids 
them  to  escape  from  their  various  enemies.  Their  flight  is 
rapid  and  graceful ;  they  move  through  the  trees  and  foliage 
as  readily  as  the  pigeon. 

The  wood  ducks  build  in  May,  in  the  hollow  part  of  a 
branch  or  the  deserted  hole  of  a  large  woodpecker,  which 
they  enter  readily,  though  the  entrance  seems  much  smaller 
than  their  bodies.  The  eggs,  which  are  from  six  to  fifteen, 
of  a  yellowish  green,  are  laid  on  dry  plants  and  down  plucked 
from  the  parent's  breast,  together  with  the  feathers  of  various 
other  birds.  As  soon  as  the  young  are  hatched,  if  the  nest  is  over 
the  water,  they  spread  their  little  wings  and  feet,  and  drop  into 
the  stream;  if  not,  the  mother  carries  them  carefully  to  the 
water,  in  her  bill ;  sometimes  she  lets  them  fall  on  the  dry 
leaves  below,  and  then  conducts  them  to  their  favorite  element, 
where  they  soon  learn  to  collect  flies,  moschetoes,  and  other 
insects,  for  their  food.  The  experiment  of  domesticating  this 
fine  bird  has  been  tried  with  good  success ;  and  after  a  few 
years,  they  would  doubtless  give  up  all  desire  to  return  to 
their  wildness. 

The  BLUE-WINGED  TEAL,  Anas  discors,  returns  early  in  au- 
tumn from  the  north  and  west,  where  it  breeds.  They  are 


390  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

easily  affected  by  the  cold,  and  the  first  frosts  are  a  signal  to 
them  to  escape  to  warmer  regions.  They  are  found  on  our 
larger  rivers,  but  seldom  visit  the  sea. 

The  GREEN-WINGED  TEAL,  Anus  crecca,  is  more  common  in 
the  southern  states  than  here.  Audubon  did  not  find  it  in 
Newfoundland  or  Labrador  ;  but  there  is  reason  to  suppose  that 
it  breeds  in  the  fur  countries,  and  near  the  great  lakes ;  those 
which  are  seen  here,  are  said  to  be  mostly  females  and  young 
birds,  the  males  pursuing  a  different  route,  and  not  appearing 
here  till  the  spring.  Being  more  select  in  feeding  than  most 
other  ducks,  they  furnish  an  excellent  article  of  food. 

The  EIDER  DUCK,  Fuligula  mollissima,  is  well  known  as 
the  bird  which  covers  its  eggs  with  down  taken  from  its  own 
breast.  This  is  now  become  an  important  article  of  commerce, 
and  the  hunters,  not  satisfied  with  taking  the  down,  carry  away 
the  eggs  also.  The  female  then  lays  a  smaller  number  of  eggs, 
and  strips  herself  again  to  cover  them.  If  the  nest  is  a  second 
time  robbed,  the  male  bird  supplies  his  down  to  cover  the  last 
laying ;  and  thus  it  is,  that  many  in  civilized  life  feather  their 
nests,  at  the  expense  of  this  plundered  bird.  Formerly  they 
bred  in  considerable  numbers,  from  Boston  eastward  ;  but  they 
generally  go  farther  north  for  that  purpose,  though  in  winter 
many  of  them  are  shot  upon  our  coast.  Audubon,  while  in 
Boston,  had  twenty-one  specimens  brought  him,  which  two 
gunners  had  shot  in  a  single  day.  The  same  high  authority 
says  that  the  eider  would  be  domesticated  with  great  ease,  and 
would  be  invaluable  on  account  of  its  down,  its  feathers,  and 
its  flesh  for  food. 

The  KING  DUCK,  Fuligula  spectabilis.  is  an  inhabitant  of 
the  northern  regions,  living,  generally,  and  finding  its  food,  out 
at  sea.  Covered  with  its  coat  of  down,  it  braves  the  severity 
of  the  arctic  season ;  but  sometimes,  in  the  depth  of  winter, 
wanders  into  our  borders.  It  is  said,  by  old  gunners,  that  for- 
merly they  were  not  rare  on  our  coast,  and  that  they  used  to 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  391 

breed  in  company  with  the  eiders.     Now   they  are   seldom 
found. 


The  SURF  DUCK,  Fuligula  perspicillata,  breeds  in  Labrador 
and  the  regions  of  Hudson's  Bay,  and  is  seen,  in  spring,  bend- 
ing its  course  toward  the  north.  On  their  return,  some  remain 
here  through  the  winter  ;  others  extend  their  migrations  as  far 
as  Florida.  They  feed  principally  in  the  sea  j  and  also  resort 
to  shallows  and  beaches  in  search  of  small  shell  fish,  for  which 
they 'are  constantly  diving.  Their  flesh  is  sometimes  eaten, 
but  is  not  recommended. 

The  VELVET  DUCK,  Fuligula  fusca,  breeds  in  Labrador  and 
the  fur  countries,  and  after  spending  some  time  about  the  lakes 
in  those  regions,  returns  to  the  south,  and  reaches  us  in  Sep- 
tember. It  is  a  sea  bird  in  all  its  habits  ;  but  Nuttall  has  seen 
it  in  Fresh  Pond,  in  Cambridge.  After  breeding  near  the  fresh 
water  lakes,  it  leaves  them  for  the  rest  of  the  year,  and  prefers 
the  shores,  where  its  usual  food,  shell-fish  and  other  articles 
which  form  the  subsistence  of  sea-birds,  always  abounds.  On 
the  coast,  it  is  called  the  White-winged  Coot ;  its  flesh,  though 
no  great  luxury,  is  in  considerable  demand. 

The  AMERICAN  SCOTER  DUCK,  Fuligula  Americana,  comes 
to  us  from  the  shores  of  Hudson's  Bay,  and,  while  here,  asso- 
ciates with  the  other  sea  ducks,  living  on  similar  food.  Early 
in  November,  it  is  found  in  Boston  market,  and  the  flesh  of 
the  young  is  considered  good. 

The  RUDDY  DUCK,  Fuligula  rubida,  breeds  in  the  small 
lakes  of  the  fur  countries,  and  returns  to  us  in  October,  pro- 
ceeding as  far  south  as  the  limits  of  Florida.  When  it  first 
arrives,  the  young  are  unsuspicious,  but  the  old  are  difficult  to 
approach.  The  females  and  young  are  seen  in  our  ponds  and 
about  tide  waters,  and  many  of  them  are  sold  in  Boston,  under 
the  name  of  Dun-Birds. 


392  BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  PIED  DUCK,  Fuligula  Labradora,  is  thought,  by  Nutt- 
all,  to  belong  to  the  western  part  of  the  continent,  and  only 
found  as  a  straggler  on  the  Atlantic  shores.  It  is  called  the 
Sand-shoal  Duck,  by  the  gunners  of  the  middle  states,  from  its 
resorting  to  sand  bars  in  search  of  food.  It  is  rarely  found  in 
this  State,  and  only  in  winter  or  spring. 

The  CANVASS-BACK  DUCK,  Fuligula  valisneria,  so  well 
known  as  a  luxury  of  the  table,  never  abounds  in  Massachu- 
setts ;  some  are  seen  in  winter  near  Cohasset  and  Martha's 
Vineyard,  and  I  learn  from  Mr.  Cabot,  that  it  has  been  shot  in 
Fresh  Pond.  The  great  proportion,  however,  on  returning 
from  the  fur  countries,  where  they  breed,  establish  themselves 
on  Chesapeake  Bay  and  the  neighboring  waters,  and  thence 
extend  to  the  south  ;  some  having  been  seen,  in  winter,  as  far 
as  New  Orleans.  The  fresh  water  plant,  valisneria,  from 
which  they  are  named,  is  their  favorite  food  ;  it  grows  in  long 
narrow  blades,  with  a  white  root,  which  is  the  part  that  they 
eat ;  they  swim  about  the  shoals  where  it  grows,  diving  and 
tearing  it  up,  not  discouraged  in  consequence  of  the  losses 
which  they  suffer  from  the  dishonest  arts  of  the  widgeon.  But 
where  this  plant  is  not  found,  they  feed  on  the  eel-grass,  as  it 
is  called,  which  affords  a  subsistence  to  the  canvass-back,  and 
other  birds  of  a  similar  description. 

Though  these  birds,  when  they  first  arrive,  are  lean,  in  con- 
sequence of  exhaustion,  they  are  so  diligent  in  collecting  food 
that  they  soon  are  in  order  for  the  table  j  and  the  gunner  resorts 
to  a  thousand  arts  to  secure  them,  which  is  not  easy,  since  they 
are  shy  and  watchful,  arid  at  night  keep  sentinels  stationed 
to  guard  their  slumbers.  There  seems  to  be  no  reason  why  they 
should  not  be  domesticated,  if  those  who  make  the  attempt  are 
sufficiently  persevering.  Their  subsistence  would  be  easily 
provided  for,  since  they  eat  grain  as  readily  as  any  other  food. 

The  RED-HEADED  DUCK,  Fuligula  ferina,  is  the  companion 
of  the  canvass-back,  feeding  on  the  stems  of  the  same  plant 
which  the  other  gathers  for  the  sake  of  the  root,  and  so  much 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  393 

resembling  it,  that  it  often  has  the  honor  of  being  sub- 
stituted in  the  market,  and  sold  for  a  similar  price.  They 
breed  in  the  fur  countries,  and  make  their  appearance  here 
in  October.  Dr.  Brewer  tells  me,  that  he  has  obtained  these 
birds  in  our  State.  Mr.  Rennie,  in  his  late  edition  of  Mon- 
tague's British  birds,  says  that  he  has  one  of  them  in  his  pos- 
session, which,  as  soon  as  it  was  caught,  took  to  feeding  on 
oats,  and  is  perfectly  tame  and  healthy,  at  the  end  of  a  confine- 
ment of  three  years. 

The  SCAUP  DUCK,  Fuligula  marila,  is  said  to  breed  in  the 
fur  countries,  whence  it  returns  at  the  approach  of  the  cold 
season,  and  is  found  on  our  sea  coast  and  the  great  west- 
ern rivers.  It  is  said  to  derive  its  name  from  feeding  on  scaup, 
or  broken  shell  fish.  Audubon  says  that  he  never  found  any  por- 
tion of  testaceous  mollusca  in  those  which  he  examined,  though 
the  birds  might  have  found  them  in  abundance,  had  they  de- 
sired them.  They  are  common  here  in  bays  and  fresh  waters. 
They  are  easily  domesticated,  but  their  flesh  is  of  no  value  for 
food.  Audubon  says  that  nothing  but  an  epicure  could  eat 
them  with  satisfaction. 

The  RING-NECKED  DUCK,  Fuligula  rufitorques,  is  found  in 
autumn  and  winter  on  our  Atlantic  coast  and  our  western  wa- 
ters. Its  flesh  is  considered  equal  to  that  of  any  other  duck, 
in  tenderness  and  flavor.  Dr.  Richardson  speaks  of  finding  it 
in  the  fur  countries,  but  gives  no  account  of  its  nest.  On  its 
return  from  the  north,  it  is  spread  over  the  whole  extent  of  the 
Union  ;  but  much  more  abundant  in  some  states  than  in  others. 
Mr.  Cabot  obtained  a  specimen  in  Fresh  Pond,  and  thus  enabled 
us  to  add  it  to  the  list  of  Massachusetts  birds. 

The  GOLDEN  EYE,  Fuligula  clangula,  in  an  inhabitant  of 
northern  regions,  which  comes  from  the  fur  countries,  where  it 
breeds,  and  remains  till  it  becomes  difficult  to  obtain  food. 
In  the  winter,  they  are  not  uncommon  in  the  United  States, 
but  they  return  very  early  in  the  spring.  While  here,  they 
50 


394  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

are  silent,  and  the  name  of  Brass-eyed  Whistler,  which  they 
sometimes  bear,  is  given  in  consequence  of  the  sound  made  by 
their  wings.  They  fly  well,  but  are  so  entirely  made  for  the 
water,  that  they  are  hardly  able  to  walk  on  the  ground.  Like 
most  other  birds  of  the  class,  they  live  partly  on  fish  and  in- 
sects, and  partly  on  vegetable  food.  As  game,  they  are  con- 
sidered good,  though  not  of  the  first  order. 

The  BUFFEL-HEADED  or  SPIRIT  DUCK,  Faligula  albeola,  was 
called,  by  the  aborigines,  by  a  name  answering  to  spirit,  be- 
cause of  the  wonderful  quickness  with  which  it  disappears  at 
the  twang  of  a  bow,  or  the  flash  of  a  gun.  It  breeds  in  the  fur 
countries,  where  it  builds  on  hollow  trees,  in  woods  near  the 
water,  a  situation  favorable  to  the  young,  who  move  with  diffi- 
culty on  the  ground.  In  autumn  and  winter  they  are  found 
in  almost  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  sometimes  on  the 
coast,  but  more  frequently  on  the  inland  waters.  They  are 
constantly  engaged  in  diving  for  their  food,  and,  when  wound- 
ed with  shot,  disappear  under  water,  so  that  it  is  very  difficult 
to  find  them.  By  the  last  of  April,  most  of  them  have  return- 
ed to  their  northern  home. 

The  HARLEQUIN  DUCK,  Fuligula  histrionica,  is  a  northern 
bird,  which  was  found  by  Captain  Ross  in  the  highest  lati- 
tudes which  he  visited.  It  is  hardly  ever  found  south  of  Bos- 
ton, and  is  uncommon  here,  but  I  am  assured  by  Dr.  Brewer, 
that  he  has  obtained  it  in  our  State.  Audubon  found  it  breed- 
ing along  the  coast  of  Labrador  and  Nova  Scotia,  where  the 
male  and  female  are  called  the  Lord  and  Lady,  probably  in 
consequence  of  their  beauty,  and  the  ornaments  on  their  breast. 
It  is  difficult  to  obtain,  being  anxiously  watchful,  and  diving 
under  water  the  moment  it  perceives  the  flash  of  the  gun. 
Like  other  birds  of  this  class,  it  provides  for  its  security  by  sta- 
tioning sentinels  to  sound  an  alarm  on  the  approach  of  danger. 
The  flesh  is  not  much  valued. 

The  LONG-TAILED  DUCK,  Fuligula  glaciates,  is  a  resident  in 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  395 

the  north,  where  it  associates  with  the  eider  and  other  ducks, 
and  lingers  as  long  as  the  cold  leaves  the  waters  open ;  but 
when  the  ice  begins  to  form  upon  the  Arctic  seas,  it  migrates 
toward  the  south  in  search  of  food,  and  is  then  seen  regularly 
and  abundantly  on  the  shores  of  Massachusetts  ;  the  young 
sometimes  resorting  to  the  fresh  waters,  while  the  old  birds 
keep  near  the  sea.  They  are  lively  and  animated  in  their 
motions,  and  so  noisy  in  conversation,  that  they  are  sometimes 
called  old  wives.  They  are  expert  in  flying,  diving  and 
swimming  ;  their  food  consists  partly  of  the  animal  and  partly 
of  the  vegetable  productions  of  the  sea.  The  caravans  which 
pass  along  our  coasts  are  large,  and  their  noise  can  be  heard  at 
a  great  distance,  kept  up  for  hours  in  morning  and  evening, 
and  also  in  calm,  foggy  weather.  This  bird  is  elegant  in  its 
appearance,  but  not  held  in  much  estimation  as  food.  Its  down 
is  said  to  be  equal  to  that  of  the  eider,  but  the  quantity  is  not 
so  great. 

The  GOOSANDER,  Mergus  merganser,  is  found  in  winter  on 
the  fresh  lakes,  rivers,  and  seacoast  of  the  United  States. 
They  are  seen  here  in  small  companies,  continually  diving  in 
search  of  food.  In  April  most  of  them  disappear,  and  do  not 
return  till  November.  The  extent  of  their  breeding  range  is 
not  known  ;  but  it  is  ascertained  that  some  of  the  young  are 
reared  in  Pennsylvania,  and  yet  it  is  evident,  from  their  habits, 
that  the  Arctic  regions  must  be  their  more  familiar  home. 
Audubon  describes  the  goosander  as  breeding  in  Massachusetts, 
and  entitled  to  be  set  down  as  a  constant  resident  within  our 
bounds. 

The  RED-BREASTED  MERGANSER,  Mergus  serrator,  is  another 
resident  in  the  north,  which,  when  the  waters  there  are  sealed 
with  ice,  comes  to  the  United  States  in  search  of  food.  Wil- 
son speaks  of  it  as  brought  to  the  Philadelphia  market,  from 
the  banks  of  the  Delaware,  and  as  much  more  common  than 
the  preceding  in  the  United  States.  Like  the  former,  it  has 
an  extensive  breeding  range,  its  nests  having  been  found  in  the 


396  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

rank  weeds  on  the  borders  of  lakes,  in  Maine  and  on  Lake 
Michigan. 

The  HOODED  MERGANSER,  Mergus  cucullatuSj  is  a  northern 
bird,  found  at  the  utmost  limits  of  the  fur  countries,  and  one 
of  the  last  to  quit  those  desolate  regions,  when  the  frost  makes 
it  impossible  for  them  to  remain,  by  cutting  off  their  supplies 
of  food.  In  the  winter,  it  ranges  through  the  United  States, 
and  is  found  on  the  ocean  and  the  inland  waters.  Some  of 
them  remain  through  the  breeding  season,  and  resort  to  the 
lakes,  making  nests  of  withered  grass  and  feathers,  on  their 
grassy  borders.  These  appear  to  be  their  favorite  resorts,  and 
those  which  frequent  the  seaside,  do  it  from  necessity  rather 
than  from  choice.  They  are  expert  divers,  and  so  quick  in 
their  motions,  that  they  can  take  warning  from  the  flash  of  the 
pan,  in  time  to  avoid  the  shot  of  the  gunner  j  if  they  chance 
to  be  wounded,  they  escape  under  water,  so  that  it  is  useless 
to  pursue  them.  Mr.  Cabot  and  others  have  found  this  bird  in 
our  State. 

The  CORMORANT,  Phalacrocorax  carbo,  is  abundant  in  winter 
on  the  islands  near  Boston  and  the  coast  of  Massachusetts, 
where  most  of  them  remain  in  autumn,  winter,  and  the  early 
part  of  spring.  Nuttall  speaks  of  them  as  breeding  on  the 
islands,  near  the  mouth  of  the  harbor.  They  are  never  seen 
on  fresh  water,  since  they  subsist  entirely  on  fish  taken  from 
the  sea.  In  taking  them,  these  birds  are  so  expert,  that  a  fish 
can  hardly  escape  them ;  they  swim  under  water  with  great 
rapidity,  and  almost  always  rise  with  their  prey  in  their  bill. 
If  the  fish  is  very  large,  they  beat  it  to  pieces  on  the  shore  ;  if 
they  have  caught  it  by  the  wrong  end,  they  toss  it  in  the  air, 
and  catch  it  by  the  head  as  it  falls,  so  that  the  fins  may  pre- 
sent no  obstacle  to  its  passing  down  the  throat.  When  thus 
employed,  and  when  at  rest,  they  are  so  constantly  on  their 
guard,  that  it  is  very  difficult  to  approach  them  ;  and  if  the 
gunner  has  succeeded  in  wounding  one,  it  is  useless  for  him  to 
pursue,  since  both  old  and  young  sail  under  water,  using  their 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  397 

wings  to  propel  and  their  tails  to  steer  them,  as  in  the  air.  But 
their  safety  is  provided  for,  without  exertion  on  their  part, 
since  their  flesh  is  so  poor,  tough  and  fishy  that,  Audubon 
says,  not  even  epicures  can  eat  them. 

The  DOUBLE-CRESTED  CORMORANT,  Phalacrocorax  dilophus, 
which  was  first  described  by  Richardson,  and  has  been  con- 
sidered extremely  rare,  has  been  obtained  by  Dr.  Brewer,  in 
the  vicinity  of  Boston.  They  are  found  breeding  on  low 
islands  at  Labrador,  in  great  numbers,  arriving  as  soon  as  the 
ice  is  dissolved  from  the  water  in  the  spring.  They  spend  the 
winter  on  the  coast  of  the  eastern  states.  At  that  season,  not 
many  are  seen  farther  east  than  the  Bay  of  Halifax.  No  fish 
comes  amiss  to  their  insatiable  appetites  j  of  codlings  particu- 
larly, they  destroy  immense  numbers.  They  differ  from  the 
Florida  cormorant,  described  by  Audubon,  chiefly  in  their 
superior  size,  and  having  more  of  the  long  feathers  behind  the 
eye. 

The  SHAG,  Phalacrocorax  graculus,  is  found  inmost  parts  of 
the  United  States  as  far  south  as  Florida,  where  they  breed  in 
large  associations.  They  appear  to  make  the  bays  and  islands 
of  the  St.  Lawrence  their  northern  bounds.  In  the  high  north- 
ern regions  they  have  not  yet  been  encountered.  They  live 
perpetually  near  the  sea.  never  wandering  inland  like  the  com- 
mon cormorant,  which  has  been  seen  on  the  Missouri  river. 
They  are  expert  divers,  and  collect  great  quantities  of  fish. 
Near  the  mouth  of  Boston  harbor,  they  are  found  in  thick  and 
numerous  flocks,  at  the  approach  of  winter. 

The  GANNET,  Sula  bassana,  a  bird  known  on  both  sides  of 
the  Atlantic,  is  added  to  this  list  on  the  authority  of  Dr.  Brewer, 
who  has  obtained  a  specimen.  In  the  summer,  they  are  seen 
in  vast  numbers  in  the  bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  where  the  Gan- 
net  Rock,  as  it  is  called,  a  large  rocky  island,  is  entirely 
whitened  with  the  plumage  of  the  females  on  their  nests,  while 
the  crowds  hovering  over  and  around  it.  appear  like  a  driving 


398  BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

snow  storm.  While  thus  engaged,  they  were  easily  approached, 
and  were  not  alarmed  even  at  the  discharge  of  a  gun,  the 
meaning  of  which  most  sea-birds  fully  understand.  They  are 
seen  on  our  eastern  coasts  in  the  autumn,  and  perhaps  at  other 
seasons  of  the  year.  They  are  not  observed  to  dive  on  any 
alarm,  nor  for  the  sake  of  procuring  food. 

The  LOON,  or  GREAT  NORTHERN  DIVER,  Colymbus  glacialis, 
ir  not  an  uncommon  bird.  It  spends  the  breeding  season  in 
the  fur  countries,  the  British  provinces,  and  probably  in  the 
most  northern  part  of  the  states.  On  the  approach  of  win- 
ter, they  migrate,  to  escape  the  severity  of  the  winter,  most 
of  their  young  going  to  the  south  ;  but  some  remaining  in  the 
vicinity  of  Chesapeake  Bay.  They  are  shy  and  watchful 
birds.  They  breed  in  the  most  retired  places  which  they  can 
find,  in  rocky  islets  or  the  borders  of  lakes  ;  and  as  soon  as  the 
young  are  able  to  travel,  the  parent  conducts  them  to  the  sea. 
They  are  active  and  unwearied  in  diving,  and  have  the  power 
of  swimming  under  water  almost  as  fast  as  they  can  fly  in  the 
air.  In  the  day  time  they  appear  to  dislike  the  bright  sun- 
shine, and  are  most  active  and  animated  at  the  approach  of 
night.  Their  call  is  loud  and  dismal,  particularly  disagreeable 
to  seamen,  because  it  is  thought  to  portend  a  storm  j  it  is  so 
powerful  that  it  can  be  distinctly  heard,  when  the  bird  is  so 
distant  as  to  be  almost  invisible  in  the  air.  This  bird  is  oifered 
for  sale  in  our  markets ;  but  its  flesh  is  tough  and  unpalatable. 

The  BLACK-THROATED  DIVER,  Colymbus  arcticus,  is,  as  its 
name  denotes,  a  northern  bird,  and  is  more  rare  on  our  coast 
than  the  preceding  j  but  I  am  assured,  on  the  authority  of  Au- 
dubon,  that  it  is  sometimes  seen  in  our  State. 

The  RED-THROATED  DIVER,  Colymbus  septentrionalis,  is 
found  on  the  coast  of  the  United  States  in  autumn,  winter,  and, 
it  may  be  said,  in  spring ;  though  they  retire  to  the  north 
before  the  snows  are  gone.  The  old  birds  are  rarely  seen  at 
the  south  of  Boston  bay  j  but  the  young,  more  aifected  by  the 


BIRDS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  399 

cold,  proceed  as  far  as  Maryland.  Some  of  them  breed  at  the 
Bay  of  Fundy,  but  they  abound  much  more  in  Labrador,  on  the 
little  lakes  which  are  common  in  that  wild  country.  They  are 
at  all  times  shy  and  watchful,  alive  to  every  danger,  but  par- 
ticularly uneasy  at  the  sight  of  man.  When  he  appears,  though 
at  a  great  distance,  they  dive  and  swim  under  water  to  the  far- 
ther part  of  the  lake,  but  if  he  continues  to  approach,  they  rise 
from  the  water,  instead  of  diving  again  like  the  loon.  Their 
notes,  uttered  in  rapid  succession,  are  harsh  and  rather  loud. 
Dr.  Richardson  says  that  they  cover  their  eggs  with  down  like 
the  eider  ;  but  as  this  was  not  the  case  with  those  seen  at  Lab- 
rador, they  probably  vary  their  practice  according  to  the  climate 
where  they  make  their  nests. 

The  BLACK  GUILLEMOT,  Uria  grylle,  has  been  seen,  in  se- 
vere winters,  as  far  south  as  Maryland  ;  but  is  uncommon  even 
as  far  south  as  Massachusetts.  A  specimen  has  been  procured 
at  Nahant,  by  Dr.  Brewer  ;  but  they  do  not  abound  this  side  of 
the  Bay  of  Fundy.  At  Labrador,  they  breed  in  large  num- 
bers. They  are  sea-birds  in  the  fullest  sense  of  the  term, 
hardly  ever  going  inland,  except  to  breed  ;  and  they  are  so  ac- 
tive and  successful,  in  procuring  food,  that  they  can  remain  and 
thrive,  when  almost  all  other  birds  are  driven  by  the  cold  from 
the  northern  seas.  Like  many  other  sea  fowl,  they  show  great 
sagacity  in  preparing  a  place  for  their  nest.  If  the  fissure  in 
the  rocks  where  they  make  it,  is  dry,  they  waste  no  labor  upon 
it ;  but  if  it  is  likely  that  any  water  may  run  there,  in  the  time 
of  rain  or  dissolving  snow,  they  raise  it  with  pebbles  to  a  suf- 
ficient height  to  keep  their  eggs  from  being  injured.  Is  this 
instinct,  or  is  it  reason  ?  Or,  rather,  who  will  point  out  the 
boundary  that  separates  the  two  ? 

The  FOOLISH  GUILLEMOT,  Uria  troile,  so  called,  from  its  pa- 
tience in  submitting  to  evils  which  it  cannot  help,  is  a  hardy 
inhabitant  of  northern  regions.  It  is  said  to  submit  to  be  killed 
in  the  breeding  season,  without  attempting  to  escape  ;  but  Au- 
dubon,  who  knows  more  of  their  habits  than  any  one  else,  does 
not  mp.ntmn  this  circumstance  in  his  interesting  description. 


400  BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

The  folly  of  the  guillemot  seems  to  consist  in  its  returning  ta 
the  breeding  places  where  it  is  annually  disturbed ;  but  this 
appears  to  be  done  in  despair  of  going  beyond  human  reach  ; 
for  it  once  bred  in  our  bay.  But  it  has  for  many  years  aban- 
doned it,  and  proceeds  to  the  north  in  company  with  the  eiders, 
early  in  the  spring.  Their  eggs  afford  luxurious  food,  and  are 
collected  in  great  numbers  by  those  who  make  it  their  employ- 
ment, to  be  sent  to  distant  markets.  They  are  so  numerous, 
that  the  sailors,  who  were  sent  by  Audubon  to  bring  him  two 
or  three  dozen,  returned  with  twenty-five  hundred,  which  in- 
dicates an  immense  abundance  of  the  birds,  since  the  eggs  in 
each  nest  do  not  exceed  three.  The  white  line  that  encircles 
the  eye  and  extends  back  upon  the  head,  is  found  only  in  the 
old  birds.  Like  the  preceding  species,  they  swim  under  water 
almost  as  rapidly  as  they  can  fly  above. 

The  LARGE-BILLED  GUILLEMOT,  Uria  Brunnichii,  is  said,  by 
Nuttall,  to  be  occasionally  found,  in  winter,  on  the  coast  of  the 
northern  states,  but  I  cannot  ascertain  that  any  one  has  been 
taken  in  Massachusetts,  except  in  a  single  instance  ;  Dr.  Brewer 
found  one  washed  up  on  the  beach,  in  April,  1836.  This,  how- 
ever, is  sufficient  to  give  it  a  place  among  our  birds.  The  spe- 
cimen from  which  Audubon's  illustration  was  taken,  was  sent 
him  from  Eastport  in  Maine.  He  found  none  on  the  coast  of 
Labrador,  though  the  preceding  species,  with  which  this  asso- 
ciates, so  greatly  abounded.  They  had  probably  gone  farther 
into  their  arctic  home. 

The  LITTLE  GUILLEMOT,  Uria  alle,  sometimes  called  the 
Little  Auk  or  Pigeon  Diver,  dwells  far  within  the  arctic  circle, 
and  was  found  by  Dr.  Richardson  at  Melville  Island.  In  hardi- 
ness and  power  of  enduring  cold,  no  bird  exceeds  them  ;  in  the 
depth  of  winter,  when  the  ice  of  the  ocean  is  lifted  and  broken 
by  storms,  they  are  seen  crowding  to  the  fissures,  to  find  a  sup- 
ply of  food.  They  seem  to  delight  in  tempests,  which,  by 
agitating  the  waters,  throw  up  in  greater  quantities  the  marine 
productions  on  which  they  depend  for  subsistence.  In  New- 


BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS.  401 

foundland  they  are  called  the  Ice-bird,  from  the  presumption 
that,  unless  extreme  cold  were  approaching,  they  would  not 
come  so  far  from  home.  Those  that  are  found  in  this  State 
are  generally  exhausted  by  their  long  night ;  some  have  quietly 
submitted  to  be  taken  by  the  hand.  They  are  not  regular  vis- 
itants, but  occasional,  solitary  wanderers. 

The  PUFFIN,  Mormon  arcticus,  commonly  called  the  sea 
parrot,  has  been  found  in  severe  winters  as  far  south  as  Savan- 
nah ;  but  this  is  unusual ;  its  common  range  is  from  Long  Is- 
land to  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  where  many  of  them  breed.  Many 
more,  however,  keep  on  to  Labrador,  where  Audubon  found 
flocks,  which  covered  the  water  to  the  extent  of  half  an  acre. 
Those  which  proceed  to  that  distance,  leave  the  states  in  April, 
and  make  their  way  along  the  shore,  never  going  far  from  the 
sea.  They  breed  in  holes,  which  they  make  by  burrowing  three 
or  four  feet  in  the  ground,  and  feed  their  young  with  small 
fish.  They  are  very  social,  and  betray  strong  attachment  to 
each  other ;  when  any  one  is  shot,  some  one  alights  by  its  side, 
swimming  round  it  and  stirring  it  with  its  bill,  as  if  urging  it 
to  fly  or  dive ;  and  when  man,  the  only  animal  savage  enough 
to  torture  and  kill  for  pleasure,  lifts  an  oar,  to  knock  it  on  the 
head,  it  reluctantly  leaves  its  friend,  and  disappears  under  the 
water.  The  puffin  flies  firmly  and  swims  rapidly  under  water ; 
it  also  dives  to  the  bottom,  many  fathoms  deep,  to  find  shell- 
fish and  other  prey.  In  his  contests  with  the  piratical  raven, 
the  puffin  grapples  with  his  antagonist,  and  both  fall  into  the 
water,  when  the  raven  is  drowned ;  but  if  he  can  seize  the 
puffin's  neck,  the  victory  inclines  to  the  other  side. 

The  RAZOR-BILLED  AUK,  Alca  torda,  occasionally  goes  as 
far  south  as  New  York,  in  winter ;  but  farther  south  it.  is 
never  seen.  It  is  found  from  Boston  eastward,  arriving  on  the 
coast  in  November,  and  returning  in  April.  While  here,  they 
are  seen  fishing  far  out  at  sea,  and  are  thought  to  be  able  to 
dive  deeper  than  even  the  puffin,  in  search  of  their  food, 
which  consists  of  shrimps,  shell-fish,  small  fishes,  and  roe. 
51 


402  BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS. 

They  breed  in  the  fissures  of  the  rocky  shores  of  Labrador., 
sometimes  depositing  their  eggs  where  the  water  can  run  off 
without  wetting  them  ;  but  if  there  is  danger  that  the  water 
will  touch  the  eggs,  they  are  laid  on  pebbles,  which  are 
heaped  by  the  bird,  to  let  the  moisture  run  below.  The  nests 
are  very  near  each  other  j  it  is  remarkable,  that  in  the  fissures 
and  caverns,  they  sit  flat  upon  the  egg  like  common  birds  ;  but 
in  places  more  exposed,  keep  an  upright  position,  with  their 
faces  toward  the  wind.  In  these  places  also  they  lay  but  one 
egg,  while  in  places  more  sheltered,  there  are  often  two.  The 
eggs  are  considered  a  great  luxury  ;  the  flesh  is  said  to  be  good 
to  the  taste,  though  dark  and  uninviting  to  the  eye. 

The  following  should  have  been  inserted  on  the  289th  page : 

The  HUDSON  BAY  TITMOUSE,  Parus  Hudsonicus,  which  has 
been  hitherto  unknown  in  Massachusetts,  has  been  found  by 
S.  Eliot  Greene,  Esq.  near  his  house  in  Brookline. 


In  the  foregoing  list  of  our  water  birds,  I  have  given  the 
names,  with  a  short  account  of  the  habits  of  all  which  reside 
with  us  or  visit  us,  so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  ascertain  them. 
Some,  which  occasionally  visit  us,  may  be  omitted  ;  and  if  not, 
succeeding  observations  will  doubtless  make  a  difference  in 
the  list  •  since  the  accident  of  a  winter  unusually  severe,  may 
bring  some  arctic  birds  farther  south  than  they  have  yet  been 
seen  ;  and  a  similar  cause  may  make  us  acquainted  with 
some  residents  of  the  south,  which  have  not  yet  entered  our 
bounds.  The  range  of  breeding  and  migration  is  thus  at 
times  contracted  or  extended  ;  but  the  visits  of  a  stranger,  few 
and  far  between,  are  of  but  little  importance,  and  if  our  regu- 
lar visitants  and  permanent  residents  are  set  down  and 
properly  described,  it  is  hoped  that  the  purpose  of  the  sur- 
vey will  be  answered. 

It  is  more  probable,  on  the  other  hand,  that  some  birds  which 
come  to  us  regularly  now,  finding  what  sort  of  welcome  awaits 


BIRDS  OP  MASSACHUSETTS.  403 

them,  will  gradually  withdraw ;  for  they  are  by  no  means 
slow  to  benefit  by  experience  ;  those  which  at  first  were  tame 
and  familiar,  are  many  of  them  growing  cautious  and  distrust- 
ful j  the  character  of  man  stands  in  low  estimation  among 
them  ;  and  as  they  know  him  better,  they  go  farther  from  his 
reach.  Many  birds  which  formerly  raised  their  young  in  our 
State,  now  confine  themselves  to  regions  of  greater  security  ; 
the  old  gunners  on  our  coast  can  give  more  than  one  history 
of  such  desertion  j  and  in  some  cases,  the  loss  has  been  severe. 
Thus,  for  example,  the  wild  goose  is  believed  to  have  once 
raised  its  young  in  the  temperate  climates  of  the  United  States. 
The  early  settlers  on  the  Ohio,  testify  that  they  formerly 
abounded  there  at  all  seasons  of  the  year ;  it  was  common, 
within  the  memory  of  man,  to  find  the  young  birds  on  the 
ponds  of  Kentucky ;  but,  like  the  deer  and  the  grous,  they 
have  learned  that  the  world  is  wide,  and  now,  they  find,  in 
the  quiet  of  the  northern  wilderness,  a  home,  which  has  the 
great  recommendation  of  being  out  of  humanity's  reach  !  The 
eider  duck  is  another  example.  So  lately  as  Wilson's  time, 
the  young  were  reared  on  our  coast  j  but  now,  they  have 
abandoned  it ;  gaining  nothing  indeed  by  the  exchange,  since 
there  is  reason  to  believe  that  when  it  bred  in  this  climate, 
it  was  not  compelled  to  cover  its  eggs  with  the  down  which 
tempts  so  many  adventurers  to  search  for  and  rifle  its  nest. 

I  do  not  mean  to  say,  that  these  desertions  ought  to  be  pre- 
vented. In  some  few  instances,  the  experiment  has  been  tried  ; 
but  it  is  found,  as  might  have  been  foreseen,  that  no  human 
enactment  can  suspend  the  operation  of  a  law  of  nature.  The 
statutes  on  that  subject  are  generally  inefficient ;  no  one  cares 
to  execute  them  ;  the  idlers  in  a  community  are  a  privileged 
order,  who  pay  little  reverence  to  the  law,  and  the  industrious, 
beside  having  other  employment  than  to  note  down  their  neigh- 
bors' transgressions,  cannot  be  persuaded  that  there  is  any 
crime  in  shooting  a  wild  bird,  still  less  that  the  act  is  harmless 
at  one  season  of  the  year,  and  injurious  at  another.  Nor  is  it 
by  any  means  certain,  that  it  would  be  desirable,  even  if  it 
were  possible,  to  prevent  this  extermination.  It  is  better  for 


404  BIRDS  OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 

the  civilized  community  that  the  process  should  go  on.  The 
epicure  may  lose  an  indulgence,  and  his  case  will  doubtless 
excite  all  the  commiseration  which  it  deserves ;  but  it  will  be 
public  gain,  without  question,  to  have  the  field  and  forest  offer 
no  bounty  to  idleness,  tempting  it  away  from  the  serious  cares 
of  life,  to  engage  in  pleasures,  which  no  one  is  the  better,  in 
character,  in  habits,  or  in  heart,  for  enjoying. 
s  It  is  very  desirable,  that  the  experiment  of  domestication, 
which  has  been  suggested  once  or  twice  in  the  preceding  re- 
marks, should  be  tried  on  a  large  scale  j  and  it  might  be  well  if 
some  inducement  should  be  offered  to  tempt  some  competent 
persons  to  engage  in  such  an  undertaking.  It  cannot  be  de- 
spatched in  a  single  season  j  it  would  require  time  to  determine 
on  what  food,  and  under  what  circumstances,  they  would  be 
likely  to  thrive  best ;  and  much  more  time  would  be  necessary 
to  effect  a  permanent  change  in  the  habits  of  a  wild  and  wan- 
dering race,  and  to  overcome  that  impulse,  which,  in  the  season 
of  migration,  acts  so  powerfully  upon  them,  that  some  impris- 
oned birds  with  their  wings  clipped,  have  been  known  to  break 
from  their  enclosures,  and  to  set  out  on  foot,  for  the  region 
of  Hudson's  Bay.  In  many  cases,  no  doubt,  such  attempts 
would  succeed  without  difficulty  ;  and  in  others,  what  could 
not  be  done  by  a  short  experiment,  might  be  accomplished 
by  successive  and  persevering  trials  ;  valuable  accessions  might 
thus  be  made  to  the  number  of  our  domestic  birds  j  many 
might  come  into  general  use,  which  now  only  the  sportsman 
and  the  epicure  can  enjoy,  and  races  of  wild  birds  be  preserved, 
which  will  otherwise,  in  spite  of  all  our  game  laws,  soon  dis- 
appear, and  be  lost  from  our  forests  and  shores. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

WILLIAM  B.  O.  PEABODY. 
Springfield,  Feb.  llth,  1839. 


SUPPLEMENT 


ICHTHYOLOGICAL    REPORT 


SINCE-  the  report  on  the  Fishes  has  passed  through  the  press, 
I  have  had  an  opportunity,  by  the  politeness  of  Mr.  John  S. 
Sleeper,  Editor  of  the  "  Mercantile  Journal,"  of  examining  a 
specimen  of  the  "  Lophius  piscatorius"  Sea-Devil  ;  and  as  the 
account  embodied  in  my  report  was  extracted  from  Yarrell's 
"  British  Fishes,"  I  would  present  a  description  here  from  a 
recent  specimen,  that  the  ichthyologist  may  judge  for  himself, 
as  to  my  correctness  in  considering  our  fish  the  same  as  the 
foreign  species. 

Length  of  the  specimen  before  me,  two  feet  and  one  inch  ; 
width  across,  in  front,  of  the  pectorals,  one  foot ;  length  of  the 
head,  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  occiput,  six  inches.  All 
the  upper  part  of  the  body,  is  of  a  dark  brown  color,  caused  by 
very  minute  irregular  markings ;  body  beneath,  white.  Nu- 
merous fleshy  cirrhi  beneath  the  lower  jaw,  edging  it  to  the 
angles  ;  beyond  these,  they  are  continued  to  the  pectoral  fins, 
and  back  of  them,  they  are  again  continued  to  the  tail ;  these 
cirrhi  are,  beneath  the  jaw,  nearly  an  inch  in  length,  on  the 
sides  of  the  body  they  are  much  smaller.  The  vertical  gape  of 
the  mouth,  when  expanded,  is  five  inches  ;  the  distance  across 
from  angle  to  angle  of  the  upper  jaw,  eight  inches  ;  the  tip  of  the 
lower  jaw  projects  nearly  two  inches,  in  front  of  the  upper. 


406  SUPPLEMENT. 

The  intermaxillary  bones  are  capable  of  being  protruded  nearly 
an  inch  beyond  the  maxillaries,  and  are  armed  with  a  single 
row  of  small  pointed  teeth  upon  each  side,  and  two  rows  of 
much  larger  teeth  in  their  centre  ;  one  of  these  rows  upon  the 
edge,  the  other,  within  and  beneath,  very  incurved  ;  upon  the 
upper  jaw,  at  its  tip,  is  a  space  of  one  and  a  half  inches,  desti- 
tute of  teeth  j  on  each  side  of  this  space,  is  one  quite  large  tooth, 
and  a  second,  much  smaller ;  about  half  an  inch  outside  of 
these,  a  single  row  of  eight  or  ten  teeth,  the  three  or  four  first 
of  which,  are  much  the  largest.  On  each  side  of  the  pharynx, 
are  three  rows  of  sharp  incurved  teeth,  about  a  line  in  length, 
resembling  spines  ;  these  rows  are  arranged  directly  above  each 
other,  and  are  double.  The  lower  jaw  has  a  single  row  of 
numerous,  very  sharp  teeth,  some  of  them  half  an  inch  long  ; 
the  tongue  has  a  broad,  bony,  triangular  plate,  upon  each  side, 
armed  with  two  rows  of  teeth  on  each  side,  which  are  turned 
toward  the  throat.  The  distance  from  the  margin  of  the  upper 
jaw  to  the  eye,  is  equal  to  the  distance  between  the  eyes.  Seve- 
ral spines  are  observable  upon  the  head  j  two  just  back  of  the 
snout,  on  each  side  ;  a  bifurcated  one  over  the  middle  of  the 
eye,  and  another  similar  one  at  its  posterior  angle ;  a  small  one 
in  a  line  back  of  these,  at  the  posterior  portion  of  the  head.  A 
spine  pointing  forward,  is  situated  at  the  angle  of  the  jaws, 
and  three  straight  spines  are  seen  back  of  this.  The  eyes  are 
nearly  circular,  half  an  inch  in  diameter ;  the  pupils,  black  ; 
the  irides,  yellowish  brown,  with  darker  rays.  One  inch  back 
of  the  snout,  are  two  elongated  tentacula,  four  inches  long,  of 
the  firmness  of  bristles,  with  the  extremities  free  ;  as  the  tenta- 
cula are  lying  down,  directly  at  their  posterior  extremities,  is 
situated  a  third,  two  inches  in  length,  with  about  half  of  its 
extent  only  naked  ;  these  tentacula  are  capable  of  being  ele- 
vated at  the  pleasure  of  the  animal. 

The  first  Dorsal  is  situated  an  inch  and  a  half  back  of  this 
third  tentaculum  ;  it  is  composed  of  three  small  rays,  connected 
by  a  dark  colored  membrane. 

The  second  Dorsal  is  two  and  a  half  inches  back  of  the  first  ; 
it  is  composed  of  eleven  rays  ;  this  fin  is  six  inches  long,  three 


SUPPLEMENT.  407 

and  a  quarter  inches  high  at  its  commencement,  and  two  inches 
high  at  its  posterior  extremity. 

The  Pectoral  fins  are  three  inches  long  ;  quadrate  ;  rather 
higher  than  long  ;  slightly  digitated  at  their  extremities,  and 
ciliated ;  width  at  the  extremity,  when  expanded,  six  inches  ; 
composed  of  twenty-Jive  rays. 

The  Ventral  fins,  one  inch  long,  two  inches  high  ;  having  five 
strongly  marked  digitations. 

The  Anal  fin  is  five  inches  long  ;  as  high  again  at  its  poste- 
rior extremity  as  at  its  anterior  ;  it  is  composed  of  nine  rays. 

The  Caudal  fin  is  two  inches  long,  four  and  a  half  inches 
high,  and  is  composed  of  eight  rays. 


Squalus.    Lin.    (Selache.  Cuv.)    elephas.     Le  Sueur. 
Journal  Academy  Natural  Sciences,  et  fig. 

Two  or  three  weeks  since,  a  large  male  shark  was  harpooned 
in  the  harbor  of  Provincetown,  and  being  towed  to  Chelsea, 
was  there  exhibited.  When  I  saw  it,  it  was  lying  upon  the 
beach,  where  it  was  entirely  exposed  at  low  tide,  and  nearly, 
if  not  altogether  covered  by  water  when  the  tide  was  high  ; 
the  tide  was  flowing  in,  when  I  examined  it,  which  compelled 
me  to  make  a  more  rapid  survey  than  could  have  been  wished. 
It  had  been  opened,  and  its  viscera  were  removed.  The 
liver  filled  eight  barrels,  and  furnished  six  barrels  of  oil.  The 
fish  presented  the  following  appearances  : 

Its  entire  length  was  thirty  feet  three  inches.  The  whole  up- 
per part  of  the  body,  was  of  a  dark  slate  color  ;  lighter  beneath. 
The  skin  was  divided  into  innumerable  rugae,  which  were  cov- 
ered with  minute  sharp  points,  often  collected  into  groups,  resem- 
bling the  discs  of  many  of  the  "  Echini"  upon  which  are  situ- 
ated the  spines  by  which  they  are  ornamented  ;  or,  still  more, 
the  tubercles  arranged  along  the  lateral  line  of  some  of  our 
"Cotti"  causing  the  skin  to  be  exceedingly  rough.  Head,  small ; 


408  SUPPLEMENT. 

perfectly  smooth,  for  the  most  part,  in  front  of  the  eyes,  and 
covered  with  circular  and  oblong  mucous  pores,  which  keep 
this  portion  constantly  lubricated.  Snout,  blunt.  Nostrils,  five 
inches  in  front  of  the  eyes,  their  lower  portion  upon  the  edge 
of  the  upper  lip.  Eyes,  very  small ;  diameter  of  the  eye,  three 
inches ;  largest  circumference  of  the  sclerotic  coat,  when  re- 
moved from  the  socket,  eight  and  a  half  inches.  Eyes  very  move- 
able  in  their  orbits  j  distance  between  the  eyes,  two  feet ;  dis- 
tance between  the  tip  of  the  jaws,  as  artificially  raised,  two  feet ; 
this  vertical  gap  is  undoubtedly  as  much  again,  at  least,  in  the 
living  fish,  which  gives  us  an  opening  of  four  feet.  Mouth  white, 
mottled  with  fuliginous.  Jaws,  furnished  with  a  great  number 
of  small,  incurved,  pointed  teeth.  Six  rows  of  these  in  the  upper 
jaw,  and  seven  rows  in  the  lower  jaw ;  the  inner  row  in  this 
jaw,  are  hardly  formed ;  each  of  the  rows  in  this  jaw,  as  I  count- 
ed them  in  the  mouth,  contained  one  hundred  teeth,  from  the  tip 
of  the  jaw  to  the  angle  of  the  jaw,  or  two  hundred,  as  counted 
from  one  angle  to  the  opposite  one,  or  in  a  word,  fourteen  hundred 
teeth  in  this  jaw.  The  teeth  are  conical,  sharp,  polished,  with  a 
sensible  ridge  upon  each  side,  often  roughened,  almost  serrated  ; 
the  lower  portion  of  the  tooth,  striated  ;  one  of  the  teeth  in  this 
jaw  is  bifid ;  the  teeth  at  the  angles  of  the  jaws,  short  and 
more  compressed.  The  teeth  in  the  centre  of  the  jaw,  are  three 
lines  high  above  the  jaw,  and  their  base,  or  root,  about  the 
same  length  within  the  socket.  Temporal  orifices,  small,  just 
back  of  the  angle  of  the  jaw. 

From  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  first  branchia,  four  feet  nine 
inches.  Five  very  large  branchiae,  nearly  surrounding  the 
head,  as  the  animal  was  lying  ;  by  measurement,  the  first  pair 
of  branchiae  were  separated,  on  the  neck,  from  each  other,  six 
inches ;  the  second  pair  were  separated,  at  the  same  situation,  nine 
inches  ;  the  third  pair,  one  foot  three  inches  ;  the  fourth  pair,  one 
foot  nine  inches  ;  the  fifth  pair,  two  feet  three  inches  ;  showing 
the  first  to  be  much  the  largest.  The  first  Dorsal  fin  is  trian- 
gular :  two  feet  ten  inches  long,  four  feet  four  inches  high,  an- 
teriorly, three  feet  posteriorly  ;  distance  between  the  first  and 
second  dorsal,  six  feet ;  second  dorsal  ten  inches  long,  sixteen 


SUPPLEMENT.  409 

high  anteriorly,  thirteen  posteriorly.  Pectorals,  falciform  ;  one 
foot  nine  inches  long  ;  five  and  a  half  feet  high  ;  distance  be- 
tween the  pectoral  and  ventral,  eight  feet.  Length  of  the  ven- 
trals,  one  foot  eleven  inches ;  height,  two  feet  nine  inches;  length 
of  the  claspers,  three  feet  three  inches  ;  width  at  their  base, 
eight  inches,  from  which  they  gradually  pass  to  a  point ;  they 
enclose  a  strong,  bony  spine.  The  commencement  of  the  anal 
is  directly  opposite  the  middle  of  the  second  dorsal ;  its  length 
is  eleven  inches  ;  its  height,  fourteen  inches  ;  across  the  top, 
ten  inches  ;  distance  between  the  anus  and  anal  fin,  three  and 
a  half  feet.  Anterior  to  the  caudal  fin  is  a  lunated  depression 
above  and  beneath  the  posterior  extremity  of  the  fish  ;  at  the 
base  of  the  tail,  a  carina  upon  each  side,  one  foot  eight  inches 
long.  The  caudal  lobes,  unequal ;  the  upper  lobe,  six  feet  six 
inches  in  length,  measured  over  its  curve,  having  at  its  ex- 
tremity a  small  triangular  lobe  ;  the  lower  lobe,  four  feet  two 
inches,  measured  in  the  same  way  ;  width  of  the  extremity  of 
the  lower  lobe,  six  inches  ;  width  at  the  base,  two  feet  two 
inches  ;  width  of  the  extremity  of  the  upper  fluke,  or  lobe,  one 
inch  ;  width  of  the  base,  two  feet  three  and  a  half  inches  ;  from 
the  lunated  depression  to  the  middle  of  the  fin,  two  feet  eleven 
inches. 

Attached  to  the  branchiae,  I  found  a  single  specimen  of  the 
"  Cineras  vittata." 

Under  the  name  of  "  squalus  elephas"  this  shark  was  admi- 
rably described  by  Le  Sueur,  in  the  "  Journal  of  the  Academy 
of  Natural  Sciences"  from  a  specimen  taken  on  the  coast  of 
New  Jersey  in  1822  ;  and  his  figure,  when  it  is  remembered 
that  it  was  taken  from  a  stuffed  skin,  is  very  accurate. 

Among  our  fishermen  it  is  known  as  the  bone  shark. 

D.  H.  S. 


52 


SUPPLEMENT 


TO   THE 


HERPETOLOGICAL     REPORT 


AFTER  my  Report  upon  the  Reptiles  of  Massachusetts  had 
passed  through  the  press,  I  met  with  a  paper  which  had  been 
long  sought  for  in  vain — a  "  Report  of  a  Committee  of  the 
Linnsean  Society  of  New  England."  It  will  be  observed  that 
I  have  embodied  in  my  paper  all  species  which  have  been 
recognised  by  naturalists,  whether  I  have  seen  them  or  not. 
I  should  be  guilty  of  great  neglect  therefore,  were  I  to  pass 
unnoticed  the  following  species.  It  appears  by  this  Report, 
that  in  September,  1817,  a  remarkable  serpent  was  taken  near 
Gloucester,  Cape  Ann,  which,  having  been  carefully  examined 
by  a  committee  of  the  Linnaean  Society,  composed  of  John 
Davis,  Jacob  Bigelow,  and  Francis  C.  Gray,  was  considered  a 
nondescript,  and  the  following  report  was  presented  by  them 
to  the  Society,  accompanied  by  a  plate  of  its  external  appear- 
ance and  another  of  its  internal  anatomy,  under  the  name  of 

SCOLIOPHIS  ATLANTICUS. 

"  EXTERNAL  APPEARANCE.  The  animal  had  the  general 
form  and  external  characters  of  a  serpent ;  but  was  remarkably 
distinguished  from  all  others  of  that  class  known  to  your  com- 
mittee, by  a  row  of  protuberances  along  the  back,  apparently 
formed  by  undulations  of  the  spine.  From  the  back  of  the 


SUPPLEMENT.  411 

head  to  the  first  of  these  protuberances,  was  a  distance  of  three 
inches  and  three-fifths  of  an  inch,  during  which  the  spine 
was  straight.  Between  this  place  and  the  vent,  its  undulations 
were  nearly  regular,  twenty-four  of  these  protuberances,  about 
equally  distant  from  each  other,  occupying  the  space  between 
the  neck  and  the  vent.  From  the  latter  to  the  twenty-fifth 
protuberance,  the  spine  formed  a  straight  line,  of  the  length 
of  one  inch  and  nine  tenths  ;  its  undulations  there  commenced 
again,  and  were  continued  quite  to  the  extremity  of  the  tail, 
forming  sixteen  more  distinct  protuberances.  The  size  of 
these  forty  protuberances  was  proportioned  to  that  of  the  body 
at  the  places,  where  they  were  respectively  situated.  The  body 
could  be  bent  with  facility  upward  and  downward  as  repre- 
sented in  Plate  I.,  a  circumstance  not  common  to  other  ser- 
pents.* Those  parts  of  the  spine,  which  were  straight,  ad- 
mitted much  less  motion  in  a  vertical  direction,  than  those, 
which  were  undulatory. 

ft.      in. 

The  length  of  the  head  was  '   1  3-10 

From  the  back  of  the  head  to  the  vent        2     2  4-5 
From  the  vent  to  the  end  of  the  tail  7  2-5 


Whole  length  2  111-2 

The  smallest  circumference  of  the  neck,  one  inch  and  a  half. 
The  circumference  of  the  body  over  the  largest  protuberances, 
two  inches  and  four  fifths.  The  circumference  of  the  body 
between  the  two  largest  protuberances,  two  inches  and  nine 
twentieths.  The  size  of  the  body  diminished  suddenly  at  the 
vent,  immediately  beyond  which  the  circumference  of  the  tail 
was  one  inch  and  three  fifths.  The  tail  was  round,  and  tapered 
very  much,  terminating  in  a  point. 

The  head  was  rather  larger  than  the  neck,  flattened,  its  an- 
terior part  pyramidal,  rounded  at  the  nose  ;  the  upper  lip  entire. 

*  Ce  mode  d'articulation  explique  tre*  bien  le  mouvement  du  corps  des  reptiles,  qui,  en 
general,  s'execute  sur  les  cotes,  et  non  de  haut  en  has,  comme  Je  represented  lei  pemtres. 

Cuvier  Anat.  comp.  i.  176. 


412  SUPPLEMENT. 

The  back  part  of  the  head  was  so  much  bruised  that  its  origi- 
nal form  was  not  easily  distinguishable.  In  the  fragments  of 
the  upper  jaw  were  seen  three  slender  recurved  teeth  j  in  those 
of  one  side  of  the  under  jaw  seven  similar  teeth,  and  the 
sockets  of  three  others.  No  venomous  fangs  were  found.  The 
tongue  was  bifid,  each  fork  being  nearly  half  an  inch  long. 
The  nostrils,  situated  between  the  second  and  third  plate  from 
the  nose,  were  large  and  oval.  Between  the  nostril  and  the 
eye  was  a  longitudinal  hollow,  bounded  beneath  by  the  upper 
lip,  above  by  a  very  prominent  superciliary  ridge,  extending 
beyond  the  eye.  The  eye  was  very  large,  nearly  round,  its 
breadth  apparently  a  little  diminished  by  the  superciliary  ridge 
jutting  over  it.  The  whole  head  was  covered  with  plates, 
but  those  on  the  top  of  it  were  so  much  broken,  that  their 
number  and  form  could  not  be  perfectly  ascertained.  The 
under  jaw  was  divided  by  a  longitudinal  furrow,  having  a  iri- 
angular  scutella  at  its  anterior  extremity,  and  two  rows  of 
scutellae  on  each  side. 

The  body  was  covered  with  hexagonal  flat  scales,  those 
on  the  back  narrowest ;  the  throat  with  three  or  four  rows  of 
small  scales  ;  the  belly  with  a  hundred  and  eighty  plates ; 
the  tail  with  ninety-three  pairs  of  scutellas.  Over  the  vent 
was  one  pair  of  scutellse  ;  at  its  sides  four  pair,  the  scales  op- 
posite to  which  were  smaller  than  those  on  any  other  part  of 
the  body. 

The  color  of  the  head  and  of  the  upper  part  of  the  body 
and  tail  was  an  uniform  deep  brown  ;  that  of  the  belly  and 
under  part  of  the  tail  a  bluish  lead  color,  lightest  in  the  mid- 
dle. The  whole  of  the  under  jaw  and  throat  were  white, 
which  color  extended  in  a  clouded  streak  some  way  down 
under  the  neck,  and  fore  part  of  the  belly. 

In  the  general  disposition  of  its  colors,  in  the  number,  form, 
and  arrangement  of  the  scuta  and  scutellss,  this  animal  ap- 
proaches most  nearly  to  the  Coluber  constrictor  ;  from  which, 
however,  it  is  strikingly  distinguished  by  its  undulating  back, 
by  its  body  being  larger  in  proportion  to  its  length,  and  dimin- 
ishing more  suddenly  at  the  vent,  the  tail  shorter,  the  teeth 


SUPPLEMENT.  413 

much  larger  and  more  distant,  and  the  color  brown  instead  of 
black. 

This  animal  is  probably  amphibious,  although  it  has  not  the 
flat  tail  of  the  Pelamides ;  nor  did  the  examination  of  its  ex- 
terior enable  us  to  discover  any  thing  in  its  structure,  pecu- 
liarly adapting  it  to  a  residence  in  the  water,  excepting  only 
the  remarkable  facility  of  bending  in  a  vertical  direction.  This 
motion,  which  may  be  observed  in  the  leech,  and  various  other 
aquatic  animals,  is  quite  as  important  as  a  horizontal  one  to  an 
inhabitant  of  the  ocean,  and  comparatively  useless  in  an  animal 
confined  to  the  land. 

INTERNAL  STRUCTURE.  The  structure  of  the  spine  in  this 
animal  is  very  singular,  and  different  from  that  of  any  serpent 
which  we  have  seen,  or  known  to  be  described.  Its  course 
throughout  the  greater  part  of  the  body  is  regularly  undulating 
or  flexuous.  consisting  of  successive  curves  upward  and  down- 
ward. The  structure  of  the  different  vertebrae  varies  to  ac- 
commodate itself  to  this  configuration,  so  that  the  spine  cannot 
be  extended  into  a  straight  line  without  dislocation  of  its  parts. 
In  the  portion  of  spinal  column  which  we  examined,  each 
curve  consisted  of  about  nine  vertebras.  Each  vertebra  was 
articulated  by  a  round  head  on  its  posterior  extremity  to  a 
socket  in  the  anterior  extremity  of  the  next.*  It  had  five 
principal  processes,  one  a  spinous  process ;  two  anterior,  and 
two  posterior  transverse  processes.  There  were  also  smaller  pro- 
cesses articulated  with  the  ribs,  and  a  sharp  longitudinal  prom- 
inence underneath.  The  spinous  processes  varied  remarkably 
in  shape  and  size,  according  to  the  part  of  the  spine  in  which 
they  were  situated.  Those  occupying  the  top  of  the  curve 
were  very  broad,  and  those  of  the  bottom  of  the  curve  very 
narrow,  the  latter  being  not  more  than  half  the  breadth  of  the 

*  This  is  the  reverse  of  what  Cuvier  asserts  of  serpents  in  general,  in  his  learned  work 
on  comparative  anatomy.  He  states  that  the  tubercle  is  on  the  anterior,  and  the  cavity  on 
the  posterior  part  of  the  vertebra.  "  La  partie  anterieure  du  corps  de  la  vertebre  presenlc 
un  tubercule  arrondi  demi-spherique  ;  et  la  partie  posterieure  offre,  an  contraire,  une  cavite 
correspondante ;  de  sorte  que  chacune  des  vertebres  est  articulee  en  genou  avec  celle  qui 
la  suit,  et  avec  celle  qui  la  precede." — Le  fans  d' anatomic  compare.  I.  176. — We  are  in- 
duced to  believe  that  in  the  above  passage  the  terms  anterior  and  posterior  must  have  been 
misplaced.  The  tubercle,  we  think,  always  occupies  the  posterior  part  of  the  vertebra. 


414  SUPPLEMENT. 

former.  The  top  of  the  spinous  processes  in  the  ascending  or 
anterior  half  of  each  elevation  of  the  back-bone  projected  con- 
siderably backward.  In  the  descending  half,  on  the  contrary, 
they  projected  forward,  so  as  to  appear  as  if  this  part  of  the 
spine  were  inverted.  The  space  between  the  spinous  processes 
was  very  great,  amounting  to  nearly  two  thirds  of  their  lon- 
gitudinal diameter ;  a  circumstance  which  contributes  very 
much  to  the  vertical  flexibility  of  the  spine,  being  much 
greater  than  it  is  in  the  Boa  constrictor,  one  of  the  most  flexi- 
ble serpents,  as  represented  by  Sir  Everard  Home,  in  his  com- 
parative anatomy  ;  or  than  it  is  in  the  Coluber  constrictor, 
which  your  committee  have  examined.  The  two  anterior 
transverse  processes  are  long  and  sharp,  and  are  received  under 
or  pass  within  the  two  posterior  transverse  processes  of  the 
preceding  vertebra.  They  differ  in  direction  according  to  the 
place  which  they  occupy.  Those  in  the  highest  vertebrae 
pass  obliquely  downwards  ;  and  those  in  the  lowest,  obliquely 
upwards.  The  posterior  transverse  processes  also  grow  broader 
and  less  oblique  as  the  vertebras  descend.  The  whole  con- 
nexion and  proportion  of  the  processes  is  such,  that  the  greatest 
downward  flexion  takes  place  at  the  top  of  the  curve,  and 
the  greatest  upward  flexion  at  the  bottom ;  an  arrangement 
admirably  adapted  to  increase  the  power  of  the  muscles 
which  act  in  the  vertical  flexion  of  the  spine. 

The  ribs  are  articulated  by  a  double  cavity  to  a  small  double 
headed  process  under  the  anterior  transverse  process  of  each 
vertebra.  They  differ  in  length  arid  direction,  those  at  the 
bottom  of  the  curve  being  shorter  and  more  spreading  than 
those  at  the  top,  so  that  the  lower  extremities  of  the  whole 
fall  in  a  right  line. 

Muscles.  The  principal  muscles  on  the  outside  of  the  trunk 
consist  of  three  strong  dorsal  muscles  with  oblique  fibres  con- 
tinually arising  from  the  vertebral  processes,  or  ribs,  and  in- 
serted by  an  aponeurosis  into  other  bones  of  a  similar  kind. 
Below  these  is  a  broad  thin  lateral  muscle  or  congeries  of  mus- 
cles, connected  to  the  ribs  only.  These  muscles,  according 


SUPPLEMENT.  415 

to  their  situation,  act  in  performing  the  various  [inflexions  of 
the  body. 

On  the  inside  of  the  ribs  a  series  of  their  muscles  was  ob- 
served, arising  from  the  bodies  of  the  vertebrae,  passing  ob- 
liquely downwards  and  forward  under  three  ribs  and  over  the 
fourth,  and  afterwards  inserted  into  ribs  beyond.  These  mus- 
cles, in  conjunction  with  others,  according  to  Sir  Everard  Home 
and  other  authors,  act  upon  the  ribs  in  serpents  to  assist  their 
progressive  motion  on  land. 

Viscera,  The  only  part  of  the  viscera,  which  the  limited 
openings  permitted  us  to  examine,  were  a  portion  of  the  lung 
and  oesophagus  with  the  mesentery  and  blood  vessels,  also  a 
small  part  of  the  stomach.  The  lung  was  a  long  cellular  and 
tubular  viscus,  as  in  other  serpents,  but  with  this  remarkable 
peculiarity.  It  was  successively  dilated  and  contracted  so  as 
to  adapt  itself  to  the  cavities  formed  by  the  undulations  of  the 
spine.  The  oesophagus  was  also  unequal,  but  without  relation 
to  the  cavities  of  the  spine,  riot  being  in  contact  with  it.  In 
the  stomach  was  found  a  mass  of  scales,  also  the  tail  and  part 
of  the  skin  of  a  serpent  of  a  different  species,  having  all  the 
scales  carinate. 


In  regard  to  the  use  or  final  cause  of  the'ycurvatures  in  the 
back-bone,  which  give  so  peculiar  a  character'to  this  animal  ; 
it  is  obvious  that  two  important  ends  are  effected  by  it.  These 
are  an  increase  of  flexibility  and  an  increase  of  strength  in 
vertical  motions. 

1.  The  flexibility  is  increased,  because  in  any  given  length 
of  body,  there  will  be  more  joints  in  a  crooked,  than  there 
would  be  in  a  straight  spine,  composed  of  vertebrae  of  the  same 
dimensions. 

2.  The  strength  in  vertical  motions  is  increased,  since  the 
fulcrum  formed  by  the  highest  articulation  is  more  remote 
from  the  power  applied  by  the  lateral  muscles,  and  the  fulcrum 
formed  by  the  lowest  articulation,  is  also  more  remote  from 


416  SUPPLEMENT.       . 

the  power  applied  by  the  dorsal  muscles  j  than  they  would 
be  if  the  spine  pursued  a  straight  and  intermediate  course. 

The  dorsal  muscles,  however,  being  bound  down  by  an  apo- 
neurosis,  so  as  to  pursue  nearly  the  course  of  the  spine,  are 
nearer  their  fulcrum  and  have  less  of  this  advantage  than  the 
lateral  muscles,  which  are  farther  from  their  fulcrum  ;  so  that 
the  greatest  power  is  probably  that  which  is  exerted  in  the 
forward  flexion  or  extension  of  the  body.  This  power  is  the 
one  which  would  be  most  useful  to  the  animal  in  swimming 
at  the  surface  of  the  water  with  a  motion  in  any  degree  vertical. 

Your  committee,  considering  this  serpent  as  nondescript,  and 
as  distinct  from  other  genera  of  serpents  in  the  flexuous  struc- 
ture of  its  spine,  have  deemed  it  necessary  to  constitute  a  new 
genus,  founded  on  this  peculiarity.  They  have  adopted  the 
descriptive  name  of  Scoliophis,  and  have  added  the  local  specific 
name  of  Atlanticus.  Compared  with  the  genera  of  Linnasus 
and  Lacepede,  its  character  will  stand  thus  : 

SCOLIOPHIS,  Scuta  on  the  belly,  scutellce,  on  the  tail,  spine 
flexuous." 

That  this  is 'a  new  and  very  curious  animal,  is  acknowledged 
by  distinguished  foreign  naturalists.  D.  H.  S. 


u  ,1 


- 
jj 

I 


I 


T 


''/  .   1' 


INDEX. 


Acanthopterygii, 

1 

Atherina  notata, 

Achirus, 

111 

Atherine, 

—  mollis, 

146 

Auk  little 

Acipenser, 
oxyrinchus, 

178 

razor-billed, 

Adder,  chequered, 

227 

Barbel, 

water, 

228 

.BcissG    btack 

Alauda  alpestris,        •. 
Albicore, 
Alca  torda,     . 
Alcedo  alcyon, 

318 

48 
401 
342 

small  American, 
Batrachia, 
Basse,  striped, 
Basse-fry, 

Alewife, 
Alosa 

12,  114 

Batrachus, 

menhaden, 

114 
117 

—  variegatus, 
Belone, 

vernalis, 
vulgaris, 

114 
116 

truncata, 
Bill-fish, 

Aluteres, 
—  '  monoceros  ? 
Ammocoeles, 

175 

19 

Birds  of  Massachusetts. 
—  of  Prey, 
Bittern,  American, 

Ammodytes;    . 

15 

KQ        Kf\ 

least, 
Blackbird,  cow, 

Anarrhicas,     . 

oy,  o\j. 
6 

•                  red-winged, 
Blackfish, 

Anas  acuta,     . 
—  —  Americana, 

387 
388 

Blennius  anguillaris,  . 
Jabrosus, 

boschas, 
clypeata, 

38f 

Blenny,  eel  shaped,   . 
Blue-bird,       . 

«  crecca,  . 

390 

Blue-fish, 

cliscors, 

389 

Bob-o-link,     . 

obscura, 

388 

Bombycilla  Carolinensis, 

sponsa,  . 

389 

garrula,   . 

sirepera, 

387 

Bonito, 

Anchovy, 

62 

Bream. 

Angler, 

71 

Brit,    . 

Anguillidae, 

159 

Brosmius, 

Anser  bernicla, 

386 

flavescens, 

•  •  Canadensis, 
Hutchinsii, 

384 
385 

—  —  —  —  vulgaris,   . 
Buccae  Loricatae, 

hyperboreus,    . 

383 

Bufo,  . 

leucopsis, 

385 

Americanus, 

Anthus  .spiiioletta, 

317 

Bull-frog, 

Ardea    alba,  .             . 

363 

Bull-head,       . 

candidissima, 

" 

•     brazen, 

Egretta, 

u 

3unting  black-throated, 

"""  u     '^i- 

362 

rice,  . 

•  •  nycticorax, 
virescens, 

363 
364 

butcherbird, 
Suiter-fish, 

Argentine, 

no 

Suzzard,  short-winged, 

Aspkliphoroides, 

s, 

21 

22 
62 

Jalidris  arenaria, 
Oaprimulgus  Virginianus, 

Atheriua, 

—  Boscii, 

u 

vocifcrun 

53 

418 


INDEX. 


Carcharias,    .  , 

obscurus. 

Vulpes,   . 

Carp,  golden, 
Cat-bird. 
Cat-fish, 
Catostomus,    . 

Bnstoniensis, 

— — — — —  gibbosus, 

tuberculatus, 

Cedar-bird,     . 
Centopristis,   . 


Certhia  familiaris, 

varia, 

Charadrius  Helveticus, 
melodus, 

• pluvialis, 

semipalmatus,     . 

vociferus, 

•  Wilsonius, 
Chatterer,  waxen, 
Chelonia,         . 
Chironectes,    . 
Jsevigatus,       *  . 

smooth, 


Chogset, 
Chondropterygii, 


branchiis  fixis, 
liberis, 


Cistuda, 


Clupea, 


Blandingii, 
^landing's, 
Carolina, 

elongala, 

fasciata, 
minima, 


Clupece, 
Coal-fish,         . 
Coccyzus  Americanus, 

— ' erythropthalmus,    . 

Cod,  American, 

-  bank, 

- — -  poor,      . 
power,  . 

rock, 

shoal, 

Tom,      . 

Codling, 
Coluber, 

• amsenus, 

constrictor, 

• exirnius, 

•  occipito  maculatus, 

ordinatus,    . 

punctatus,   . 

saurila, 

sipedon,      .  * 

sirtalis, 

striatulus,    . 

. vernalis, 

Columba  Carolinensis, 

migratoria, 

Colymbus  arctirus,    . 

glacialis,    . 

septentrionalis, 

Conner, 

Coot,  cinereous, 


Page. 

Page> 

181 

Cormorant,     .            . 

396 

184 

double  created' 

397 

1O4? 

181 

Corporal,  little, 

258,  261 

82 

Coryphsena  hippurus, 

55 

302 

Corvus  Americanus, 

286 

69 

cristatus, 

287 

83 

Cottus7 

16 

84 

seneus, 

20 

88 

Groenlandicus, 

16 

85 
289 

monopterygius, 
octodecimspinosus,    . 

23 
18 

9 
u 

Virginianus,  . 

201 

341 

Creeper,  black  and  white,     . 

340 

340 

brown, 

341 

361 

Crenilabrus,    . 

78 

359 

Bargall,  . 

ti 

358 

Crossbill,  common,     . 

331 

361 

white-winged, 

" 

360 

Crotalus, 

233 

359 

durissus, 

M 

290 

Crow,  American, 

286 

207 

72 

Cryptacanthodes, 

27 
28 

73 

Cuckoo,  black-billed, 

333 

(t 

yellow-billed, 

332 

78 
178 

Curlew,  Esquimaux, 
long-billed,   . 

366 
365- 

181 

178 

small  Esquimaux, 
Cusk,              .            . 

366 
136 

214 

Cyclopterus,  . 

150 

215 

Cyprinidae,     . 

82 

" 

Cyprinodon  flavulus, 

96 

214 

Cyprinus, 

82 

u 

111 

calostomus, 

84 

112 

Cypselus  pelasgius,   . 

347 

113 

110 

Dab,  rusty, 

141 

129 

sand, 

143 

332 

Dace, 

90 

333 

150 

120 

Diver,  black-throated, 

398 

f| 

nrp^^t  nrtrlhorn 

a 

127 

pigeon, 

400 

a 

—  red-throated, 

398 

121 

Dog-fish,  picked, 
Dove,  Carolina  turtle,            * 

187 
350 

126 

•  i  '  mourning, 

it 

138 

Duck,  buffet-headed, 

394 

221 

canvass-back, 

392 

226 

common,. 

386 

225 

dusky, 

388 

227 

eider,  . 

390 

230 

grey,    . 

387 

223 

harlequin^ 

394 

225 

king,     . 

390 

229 

long-tailed, 

394 

228 

mallard, 

386 

221 

pied,     . 

392 

205 

pintail, 

387 

224 

red-headed,     . 

392 

350 

ring-necked,    . 

393 

351 

ruddy, 

391 

398 

scaup, 

393 

it 

scoter,  American, 

391 

" 

spirit,   . 

394 

78 

summer, 

389 

375 

331 

INDEX. 


419 


Duck,  velvet, 

.        391 

Fistularidae,    . 

Page. 
7Q 

wood,  .            . 
Dun-bird, 

389 
391 

Flat-fish,  New  York,             '. 
Flounder,  Massachusetts, 

•             '** 

140 
140 

Eagle,  bald,   . 
•  golden, 
Washington,  . 
Echeneis, 
naucrates,  . 
quatuordecimlaminatus, 
Eel,  Massachusetts,  . 
—  —  Neshaw, 

263 
262 

JU 

153 

(t 

'        155 
157 
158 

New  York, 
•  watery, 
Flycatcher,  blue  grev 

'  ,~           T      J  t 

Canada, 
—  —  great-crested,     . 
green  black-cap, 
olive-sided, 
Pewit,     . 
•  small-headed, 

143 

146 

.        297 
.       297 
293 
.        297 
.        294 
293 
297 

sand,       .            . 

159 

Traill's,  . 

u 

sea, 
silver,     . 
Eel-pout, 
Emberiza  Americana, 

200 
158 
134 
319 

Flying-fish,  (Exocetus,) 
Fringilla  ambigua,     . 
•  cserulea, 
Canadensis, 

\        200 
322 
330 
324 

nivalis, 

.        318 

cardinalis,  . 

329 

Emys, 

207 

caudacuta, 

326 

—  guttata, 

(i 

cyanea, 

320 

.  picta, 
insculpta, 
Emysaurus,     . 

208 
209 
211 

erythropthalma,     . 
graminea,   . 

328 

.        322 

138 

97 

328 
321 
328 

Enchelyopus  Americanus,    . 
Esoces, 

leucophrys, 

Esox, 

97,  199 

Ludoviciana, 

329 

flavulus, 

96 

maritima,    . 

326 

reticulalus, 

97 

melodia, 

323 

Exocetus, 

200 

palustris,     . 

326 

Falco  aesalon, 

270 

r>«.-,«n.  .!..««!__ 

321 
327 

268 

u 

r 

330 

325 

buteoides, 

f"i  „.!.,,  |  •  

261 

Savanna,    . 

323 

Cooperii, 

267 

savannarum, 

.        324 

cyaneus, 

270 

socialis, 

325 

fulvus, 

.        2r>2 

tristis, 

326 

fuscus, 

.        266 

Frog,  bull,      . 

235 

haliaetus, 

265 

G>(-Q 

Jeopard, 

237 

OQQ 

•  hiemalis, 

zoy 

shad,    . 

•              ZOO 

.        237 

Islandicus,      . 

260 

wood, 

239 

~  Ingopus, 
.  leucocephalus, 
lineatus, 

267 
269 

—  —  yellow-throated  green, 
Frog-fish,       .            .            . 
Fulica  Americana,     . 

236 
.  71,405 
.        375 

niger, 

267 

Fuligula  albeola, 

394 

G\rr 

A         >    'p  -inn 

391 

Pennsylvanicus, 

u 

clangula,     . 

!        393 

270 

392 

"•      t'  T  h  ' 

•         z  /u 

267 

fu^ci 

!       391 

Joaannis, 

\       260 

394 

temerarius 

258,  261 

—  —  —  histrionica,               . 

u 

nr.c 

392 

Washinglonianus, 

•         zoo 

.        262 

marila, 

393 

260 

llj^iim 

390 

falcon,  Jer,               •             • 
rough-legged, 

267 

perspicil!ata, 

391 

winter, 

269 

—  —  —  —  —  rubida.         •             • 

, 

File-fish,  Massachusetts, 

174 

rufitorques, 

393 

Unicorn,      . 

175 

.  speciabilis, 

390 

Finch,  bay-winged,   . 

322 
327 

ValtanAvifl 

392 

•  v  ciiiaiieiioj 

\  ' 

330 

Sab,  wide,     .            . 

71 

sea-side, 

326 

[indites, 

.        120 

n 

5 

79 

GJadvvale, 
Gadus  longipes, 
jrallinaceous  Birds, 

387 
138 

Fishos  of  Massachusetts, 
Fistularia, 

80 

Gallinula  galeata, 

258,  375 

tabaccaria, 

M 

—  —  —  —  Martiuica,              • 

tt       u 

420 


INDEX. 


Gallinule,  Florida, 

s, 
) 

Page. 

258,  375 

u        tt 

397 
98 
30 
31 
30 
32 

63 
371 
371 
393 
326 
82 
395 
385 
386 
384 
385 
(( 

383 
385 
71 
266 
286 
318 
376 
377 
u 
(i 

330 
329 
331 
329 
355 
354 
12 
14 
96 
399 

u 

400 

381 

379 
u 

380 
379 
378 
381 
380 
381 
65 
12 
169 

124 
26 
358 
132 
138 
342 
145 
117 
270 
266 
267 
265 

Hawk,  great-footed, 

Gannet, 
Gar-fish, 
Gasterosteus, 

pigeon, 

j 

Heath-hen, 
Hemitripterus, 

Gobioides, 
Godwit,  Uudsonian, 
•              marbled, 
Golden-eye,   . 
Goldfinch,  American, 
Gold-fish,  (Cyprinus  auratus 
Goosander,     . 
Goose,  barnacle, 
•            brant, 
Canada, 
flight, 
Hutchins's,    . 
snow, 

Hcmdurgan, 
Heron,  great  blue,     . 
great  white,    . 
green, 
night, 
snowy, 
white, 
Herring,  common,     . 
•  •  EnHish 

fasciated,    . 
.  spring, 
Heterodon, 

Goose-fish, 
Goshawk,  American, 
Grackle,  rusty, 
Granivorous  birds,    . 
Grebe,  crested, 

Himantopus  nigricollis, 
Hippocampus, 
brevirostris,    . 
Hippoglossus  vulgaris, 
Hirundo  Americana, 

pied-billed,     . 

fulva, 

Grosbeak,  blue, 
cardinal,    . 

rose-breasted, 
Grous,  pinnated, 

serripennis, 
Horse-mackerel, 
Humming-bird, 
Hydrargira,   . 

Grunter, 

nigro-fasciata, 

Gudgeon,  New  York, 
Guillemot,  black, 
foolish, 
large-billed, 
little, 
Gull,  black-backed,   . 
Bonaparte's, 
common, 
herring, 
kittewake, 
mackerel, 
skua, 
silvery,  . 
white-winged,    . 
Gunnel,  spotted, 
Gurnard, 
Gymnodontes, 

Haddock, 
Norway,    . 
Haematopus  palliatus, 
Hake, 
American, 
Halcyons, 
Halibut, 
Hardhead,      . 
Harrier,  hen, 
Hawk,  brown, 
,  Cooper's, 
fish,    . 

«_:  <•___':_«*.._ 

Hyla, 

squirella, 
versicolor, 
Hylodes,    ...... 
Pickeringii, 

Ibis,  bay,        . 
falcinellus, 
Ice-bird, 
Icteria  viridis, 
yellow-breasted, 
Icterus  agripennis, 
Baltimore, 
pecoris, 
phaeniceus,      . 
Indigo-bird,    . 
Insectivorous  birds,   . 

Jager,  Arctic, 

Jay,  blue, 
Jer-falcon, 

King-bird, 
King-fish, 
Kingfisher,     . 
Knot, 

INDEX. 


421 


Labrax, 
lineatus, 
mucronatus,  . 
Labroides, 
Labrus, 

Page. 
6 

7 
8 
76 

a 

33 

38 
185 
u 

'.        195 
197 
198 
292 
291 
317 
318 
380 
379 
380 
381 
u 

Mergus  serrator, 
Merlangus, 
carbonarius, 
—  :  purpureus, 
Merlin, 
Merlucius, 
vulgaris,    . 
Minister, 
Minnow,  banded, 

Pag«. 

395 

129 
u 

'.        130 
270 
132 

!        102 
94 
92 
94 
300 
174 
it 

71 

401 
120 

124 

120 

it 

127 

126 
120 
382 
62 

167 

?00 
158 
157,  158 
157 
65 

u 

'.        295 
293 
294 
297 
294 
293 
.        297 
296 
297 
.        292 
.        295 
.        297 

349 

.        366 

u 

365 
189 
.        339 
u 

277 

221 

squeteague,   . 

Lamna, 

Lamprey,  American, 
bluish, 
mud, 
Lanius  cxcubitroides, 
seplentrionalis, 
Lark,  brown, 
shore,   . 
Larus  argentatus,      . 
Bonapartii, 

Mocking-bird, 
Monocanthus, 

Monk-fish, 
Mormon  arcticus, 
Morrhua, 
/Eglefinus, 
Americana, 

leucopterus,     . 

minuta, 
'I'omcodus, 
vulgaris, 
Mother  Carey's  chicken, 
Mugiloides,     . 
Muraena, 
(Eel,) 
.  argentea,     . 
Bostouiensis, 
Muisenidse,     . 
Muraenoides,  . 

pomarmus, 
tridactylus, 
zonorhyncus,  . 
Lestris  catarracles,    . 
parasiticus, 
pomarinus, 
Richardsouii, 
Leuciscus, 

258 
379 

u 

'.        381 

382 

it 

88 
90 
92 
91 
88 
91 
90 
371 

67 
330 
258,  261 
219 
.        375 
398 
70 
71,  403 
162 
134 
ti 

331 

a 

151 

a 

'.        150 
151 

.   48,  57 
45 
41 
82 
157 
120 
343 
352 
117 
396 
395 
396 
.       395 

b       t'f  1^' 

Muscicapa  Acadica, 

Borealis, 
Canadensis, 
Cooperii, 

crysoleucas,        » 
•  pulchellus, 
silvery,    . 
Limosa  fedoa, 

Ling,              . 
Linnet,  crimson, 
Little  Corporal, 
Lizard,  blue-tailed,    . 
Lobe-footed  birds,     . 
Loon,              .            .            . 
Lophius, 
•  piscatorius, 
Lophobranchii, 
Lota, 
•  compressa, 
Loxia  curvirostra, 
leucoptera, 
Lump-fish, 
Lump-sucker, 
Lumpus, 
vulgaris,     > 

Mackerel,  horse, 
Spanish,     . 
spring, 
Malacopterygii  abdominales, 

subbrachiati, 
Martin,  purple, 
Meleagris  gallopavo, 
Menhaden, 
Merganser,  hooded,   . 
red-breasted, 
Mergus  cucullatus,     . 
-"  —  —  •  merganser,    . 

Traillii;     . 

Wilsonii, 

Night-hawk,   . 
Numenius  Borealis,    . 
Hudsonicus, 
longirostris, 
Nurse, 
Nuthatch,  red-bellird, 
.    _  .  whjte-hrpflstftd; 

Omnivorous  birds, 

Oriole,  Baltimore, 
black, 
Ornithology  of  Massachusetts, 
Orthagoriscus, 
,,„_           ,  mola               • 

280 
285 
255 
170 

u 

108 
a 

'.        109 
176 
u 

33 
(i 

275 
.       276 

Osmerus, 
eperlanus,  . 
viridescens, 
Ostracion, 
Yalei, 
Otolithus, 
regal  is, 
Owl,  Acadian, 
Arctic,   . 

422 


INDEX, 


Owl,  barred,  .       '.-...    #s 
cat, 
cinereous, 

—  %rey,    • 

hawk,     . 
horned,  . 
little,      . 
long-eared, 
red, 
short-eared, 
snowy,  . 
Tengmalm's, 
white-horned,     . 
Oyster  catcher,  American,    . 

Pagrus, 
argyrops, 
Parrot,  sea,     . 
Partridge, 
Parus  atricapillus, 
Passerine  birds,          . 

Page. 
275 

.        273 
274 

a 

'.       270 
.        273 
275 
274 
272 
274 
271 
276 
u 

358 

38 

u 

401 
353,  3o4 
288 
318 

Picus  erythrocephalus, 
pileatus, 
pubescens, 
tridactylus, 
varius,  . 
villosus, 
Pigeon,  passenger, 
tribe, 
Pike, 
Pimelodus, 
—  nebulosus, 
Pipe-fish,  brown, 
Peck's,        . 
Plani, 
Platessa, 
dentata, 
ferruginea, 
plana, 
Plectognathi, 
Pleuronectes   aqnosus, 
._,.    .1  mollis  (Achirus,) 

Page. 

335 
.        334 
.        337 
338 
336 
337 
.        351 
350 
199 
102 

u 

162 
163 

140 

u 

143 
141 
140 

169 
148 
149 

Pauhagen, 
Peabody,  Rev.  William  B.  O. 

117 
Re- 
Mas- 

Plover,  black-bellied/ 
.  golden, 
•-  hildeer 

361 
358 
360 

sachusetts 

255 

359 

70 

••  piping, 

361 

Peep 

368 

u 

328 

Wiisnn's: 

359 

Pelamys, 

Peprilus, 
three-spined, 
triacanthus, 
Perca, 
flavescens, 
•  varia, 
Perch,  black, 
blue,    . 
common, 
pond,  . 
sea,  (Crenilabrus,)     . 

49 

u 

59 
60 
(i 

5 
u 

9 

78 
5 
11,  199 
78 
8 

Podiceps  Carolinensis, 
cornutus, 
cristatus,     . 
rubricollis,  . 
Pollack, 
Pomotis, 
vulgaris, 
Porgee,big,    . 
Pout,  eel, 
horned, 
Prionolus, 
Carolinus, 
strigatus,     . 

377 
(t 

'        376 
377 
129,  130 
11,  199 
11 
38 
134 
102 
12 
14,  305 
12,  302 
383 

Percoides, 
Perdix  Virginiana,     . 
Petrel,  fork-tailed,     . 

5 
353 

383 
u 

Puffer,             . 
Puffin, 
Pyrrhula  enucleator, 

169 
401 
331 

258   382 

363 

Petromyzon,  . 

195 
it 

Quail,  American, 

353 

285 

197 

286 

Pewee,  small, 
wood, 
Phalacrocorax  carho, 

295 
it 

396 

397 
u 

versicolor, 

Raia,  .            .            . 
Batis,     . 

285 

191 
193 

201 

Phalarope,  hyperborean,       . 
Wiisnn's, 

376 
u 

(i 

ocellala, 
radiata, 
RaiidsB 

191 
201 
191 

Phalaropus  fulicarius, 
hyperboreus, 
Wilsonii, 
Pheasant, 
Pholis, 
sub-bifurcatus 

n 

u 
(t 

354 

63 
it 

Rail,  Sora,      . 
yellow-breasted, 
Virginian, 
Rallus  Carolinus, 
Noveboracensis, 
Virginianns,    , 

374 
375 
374 
n 

375 
374 

Phycis, 
•-  Americana, 
Pickerel,  common, 

138 

u 

97 
333 

Rana, 
clamata, 
fontinalis, 

235 
206 
236 
237 

Carolinus, 

.        336 

palustris, 

233 

INDEX. 


423 


Rana,  pipiens, 
sylvatica) 
Raven,  sea,     . 
Ray,  ocellated, 
starry,    . 
sting, 
—  —  —  thornback, 
Redpole,  lesser^ 
Redstart,  American,  . 
Regulus  calendulas,   . 

Pacre. 

.        235 
239 
23 
191 
201 
200 
201 
328 
.        296 

'        3*4 

153 
155 
203 
146 
it 

91 
303 
328 
26 
55 
373 

.       247 
352 

a 

249 
251 
245 
248 
246 
247 
245 
.        206 
249 
245 
247 
.        252 
.        206 
252 
250 
251 
248 
246 
.        206 
247 
104,  200 
106 
104 

104 
357 
368 
.        367 
u 

I       3^6 
368 
367 
368 
367 

M 

.'       368 
36 

219 
38 
33 
.        219 

Scincus  fasciatus, 
Sclerodermi,  . 
Scoliophis  Atlanticus, 
Scolopax  grisea, 
Wilsonii,     . 
Scomber, 
Colias, 
grex, 

vernalis,      » 
Scomberesox, 
equirostrum,    . 
Scomberoides, 
Scopelus, 
Humboldtii, 
Sculpin,  common, 
deep-water, 

Remora,  Indian, 
fourteen-plated, 
Reptiles  of  Massachusetts,    , 
Rhombus, 
aquosus,     . 
Roach, 
Robin,  American, 
ground, 
Rose  fish, 
Rudder-fish,    , 
Rusticola  minor, 

Salamander,   banded, 

Scup, 
Sea-devil, 
Sea-horse,  short-nosed, 
Sea-robin, 
Sebastes, 

Selache  elephas, 
Selachii, 
Serpentia, 
Shad,  common,           .            » 
Shag, 
Shark,  bone,  .                        * 

brown-spotted, 
niany-spotted, 

red-backed,     . 
—  salmon-colored, 

Salamandra, 

mackerel, 

Sheep's  head, 
Shiner,  New-  York,    . 
Shoveler, 
Shrike,  American, 

Sialia  Wilsonii, 
Siluridse, 
Silver-side,  small, 
Sitta  Canadensis, 

symmetrica,     . 
tigrina, 

Salmo, 
fontinalis, 

Skate, 
Skip-jack, 
Sleeper, 
Slender-billed  birds,  . 
Smelt, 

Salmon, 
Salmonides,    .            .            . 
Sanderling,     . 
Sandpiper,  ash-colored, 
broad-billed, 
buff-breasted, 

Snake,  banded  rattle, 
black, 
chicken, 

red-backed, 
Schinz's, 
semipalmated,     . 
Sargus, 

house,              . 
little  brown.    . 
milk,               . 
rattle, 
.  red,     . 
riband, 

Sauria, 
Scapaug, 
Scienoides, 
Scincoidea,     . 
Scincus, 

striped, 
thunder  and  lightning, 
Snapper, 
Snipe,  American, 
.  red-breasted, 

71 


Page. 

219 
174 
410 
371 
372 
41 
45 
41 
67 
41 
100 

41 
109 
110 
18 
24 
16 
38 
405 
167 
12 
25 
26 

.  407 
181 
221 
116 
397 
409 

184,  558 

.   407 

181 

200 

185 

189 

36 

88 

386 

291 

292 

316 

102 

62 

339 

193 

49 
189 

339 
108 
62 

.  233 
225 
227 
224 
227 
223 
227 
233 
226 
229 
223 
230 
221 

. 

26 
372 
371 


424 


INDEX. 


Snipe  semipalmated,             .        -   . 
Snow-bird,      .... 
Sole,  New  York, 
Somniosus, 

Page. 

369 
324 
149 
189 

H 

36 
322 
325 
it 

328 
323 

it 

326 
324 
321 
u 

324 

260 
38 
216 
217 
187 

33 
184 
407 
279 
378 
379 
378 
379 
210 
(i 

31 

30 
32 
358 

1 

203 
361 

275 

276 
272 

274 
U 

270 
275 
271 
274 
276 
273 
60 

u 

178 

a. 

279 
86 
88 
84 
88 
85 
151 
195 
397 
11 
170 
346 

Swallow,  barn, 
,  chimney,     . 

rough-winged, 

Sparoides,      .... 
Sparrow,  ambiguous, 

fieldPing;     ' 
•       fox-colored, 
—  —  •  Savannah^ 

tribe, 
Swell-fish,       . 
Swingle-tail,  . 
Sword-fish,      . 
Sylvia  sestiva, 

Americana,     . 

~~             '  .'. 

yellow-shouldered, 
Sparrow-hawk, 
Sparus  argyrops,        .            .            < 
Spliargis,        .... 
coriacea,     . 
Spinax, 

—  castanea, 

chrysoptera,    . 

•  —  •  discolor, 

Squeteague,    .... 
Squalus  obscurus, 

parus, 
petechia, 

Starling,  American,  . 
Sterna  Cayana, 
Dougalli, 

Roscoe, 
rubricapilla,    . 

minula, 
Sternothaerus, 

Swainsonii,     . 
trichas, 

Stickleback,   bloody, 
New  York 

len-spiiied, 
Stilt,  black-necked,    . 
Storer,   Dr.   D.   H.     Report  on  the 
Fishes  of  Massachusetts,    . 

Syngnathidse, 
Syngnathus,    . 

Peckianus, 

Reptiles  of  Massachusetts, 
Strepsilus  interpres, 
Strix  Acadica, 
Arclica, 
asio,       .... 
bracli3'otus, 
cinerea, 
funerea, 
nehulosus, 
nyctea,  .... 
otus,       .... 
Tengmalmi, 
Virginiana, 
Stromateus  cryptosus, 
triacanthus, 
Sturgeon,  sharp-nosed, 
Sturionidse,      .... 
Sturnus  Ludovicianus, 
Sucker,  black, 

Tanager,  scarlet, 
Tamigra  rubra, 
Tattler,  Bertram's,     . 

spotted, 
Taulog, 
Teal,  blue-winged,    . 
green-winged, 
Tell-tale, 
Temnodon, 
saltator,   . 
Tern,  Cayenne, 
common, 
roseate, 
silvery, 
Testudo   Pennsylvania, 
scabra, 
Tetrao  Cupido, 
umbeilus, 
Tetraodon, 

horned,          .            .            . 

Thalassidroma  Leachii, 
Wilsnnii 

Surtorii,           .... 
Sula  bassana, 
Sun-fish,  fresh-water, 
short, 
Swallow,  bank. 

Thrasher,  brown, 
Thresher, 
Thornback,     . 
Thrush,  brown, 

344 
347 

258,  345 

.  347 
346 
343 
169 
181 
51 
307 
312 
311 
309 
310 
308 
311 

.  309 
313 
312 
307 
311 
309 
308 
310 
307 
312 
310 

.  313 
tt 

309 
313 
311 

.  312 
it 

308 
162 


163 

162 

319 

a 

370 


76 

389 

390 

369 

57 

« 

378 

379 
u 

205 

205,  210 
355 
354 

169 
tt 

383 
382 
300 
181 
201 
300 
.  306 


INDEX. 


425 


Thrush,  hermit, 

New  York,   . 

Wilson's,       . 

wood, 

Thynnus, 

— ; vulgaris,     . 

Titmouse,  black-cap, 
Toad,  common, 

piping,  tree,   . 

•  tree,    . 
Toad-fish, 

Tobacco-pipe-fish,     . 
Tom-cod, 
Torpedo, 

Tortoise,  alligator,     . 
Blanding's  box, 

snapping,    . 

spotted, 

Tetanus,  Bartramius, 
chloropygius, 

—— — —  macularius, 
semipalmatus. 

-  vociferus,    . 
Trachinotus, 

argenteus, 

Trigla  lineata, 

palmipes, 

Tringa  alpina, 
cinerea, 

— maritime, 

•    •  pectoralis, 

platyrhinca,    . 

pusilla, 

'  rufescens, 

Schinzii, 

semipalmata, 

1  subarquata,    . 

Trochilus  colubris,     . 
Troglodytes  sedon,     . 

— •  Americana, 

•  brevirostris, 

hiemalis, 

palustris, 

Trout, 

brook, 

cousin, 

salmon, 

Trunk-fish,  Yale's,     . 
Trygon, 

Tunny,  common, 

Turbot, 

Turdus  aurocapillus, 

feli vox, 

migratorius,   . 

• minor, 

mustelinus,     . 

Noveboracensis, 

polyglottus,    . 

Wilsonii,        ! 

Turkey,  wild, 
Turnstone, 

54 


Page. 
305 
306 
tt 

304 
47 
tt 

288 
244 
242 
241 
74 
80 
126 
201 
211 
215 
214 
217 
210 
208 
211 
207 
209 
370 
tt 

369 
370 

369 
u 

55 

u 

12 
14 

367 
368 

367 
u 

368 
367 
tt 

368 
366 
341 
314 
316 
315 

316 

u 

200 
106 
91 
107 
176 
200 
47 
146 
306 
302 
303 
305 
304 
306 
300 

306 
352 
361 

Umbrina, 
nebulosa,    . 
Uriaalle,        .            . 
Brunnichii, 
grylle,    . 
troile,     . 

Vireo  flavifrons, 
gilvus, 
—  —  Noveboracensis, 
olivaceus, 
red-eyed, 
warbling, 
white-eyed, 
yellow-throated, 

Wading  Birds, 
Warbler,  autumnal,   . 
bay-breasted, 
Blackburnian, 

•—                   hlnrlf  nnlr> 

35* 
u 

'.       400 
a 

'.       399 

1C 

.       298 
.       299 
.       298 
.       299 

14 
M 

'.       298 
u 

.        357 
.        310 
.        309 
308 
.        309 
.        311 
308 
309 
.        312 
310 
.        312 
313 

309 
.        311 
.       310 
311 
308 
313 
.        312 
.        307 

.'       269 
33 
.        378 
.        348 
394 
319 
132 
388 
369 
69 
.        373 
.        337 
333 
337 
.        334 
.        336 
335 
338 
336 
.        314 
315 
314 
315,  316 
314 
316 
312 
316 

28 

black-throated  blue, 

_,  _:j_j  °           ' 

golden-winged, 
hemlock,     . 
mourning,   . 
Nashville,  . 
orange-crowned,    . 
orange-throated,     . 
particolored, 
pine,            .   * 

?ra|*1(j' 

a       •   .,'?„' 

"    «•"*' 

Warrior,  black',"  ""r"^       \ 
Weak-fish,     . 
Web-footed  birds, 
Whippoorwill, 
Whistler,  brass-eyed, 
White-birds, 
Whiting,        .            .       -     . 
Widgeon,  American, 
Willet, 
Wolf-fish, 
Woodcock,  American, 
Woodpecker,  downy, 

red  bellied 

Wren,  fiery-crowned, 
•    .  fresh-water  marsh, 

willow, 

wood, 
Wry-mouth,  spotted. 

426 


Xiphias, 


INDEX. 

Pa^e. 


gladius, 


Ya^er,  cataract, 
Yellow-hird,  summer, 
YcJlow-shanks, 
Yellow -throat,  Maryland, 


51 


381 

307 

311 


Yellow-throat,  Roscoe's, 


Zoarcus, 


anguiljaris, 


313 

66 

u 
200 


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STAMPED  BELOW 


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RECALL 


5     1972 
JAN  2  3  R[(TD 


LIBRARY,  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  DAVIS 

Book  Slip-50m-5f'70(X672.",sS)'ir>s 


460716 

QL183 

Massachusetts.  Zoolog-   Al 
ical  and  Botanical 
Survey. 

Reports  on  the 
fishes,  reptiles  and 
birds  of  Massachusetts. 


LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY   OF   CALIFORNIA 
DAVIS 


